Bus Crash in Afghanistan Claims 79 Lives, Including 19 Children

BREAKING: A tragic bus crash in northwestern Afghanistan has claimed at least 79 lives, including 19 children, as they returned from Iran. The devastating incident occurred on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, around 8:30 p.m. local time in Herat province, according to the Ministry of Interior spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani.

The bus collided with a truck and a motorbike, igniting a massive fire that led to numerous fatalities on the spot. Reports indicate that two additional individuals sustained injuries from the crash. This incident highlights the severe road safety issues in Afghanistan, where traffic accidents are tragically common due to poor road conditions and driver negligence.

The crash comes amidst a humanitarian crisis, as nearly 1.8 million Afghans have been forcibly returned from Iran in recent months. This alarming trend is compounded by the deportation of over 184,459 Afghans from Pakistan and more than 5,000 from Turkey since the start of the year. The Taliban government has criticized neighboring countries for these mass expulsions, claiming that they unfairly target Afghans living abroad.

Officials from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation estimate that around 6 million Afghan refugees continue to remain overseas, facing uncertain futures. The tragic bus crash underscores the urgent need for international attention and support for these vulnerable populations.

As recovery efforts continue, authorities are calling for improved road safety measures to prevent future tragedies. The impact of this catastrophe resonates deeply, not just in Afghanistan but globally, as communities mourn the loss of lives cut short in such a horrific manner.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.