A devastating collision on the Herat-Kandahar highway in Helmand province of southern Afghanistan yesterday claimed the lives of 21 individuals and left 38 others injured. The accident involved a bus, an oil tanker, and a motorbike, highlighting the ongoing dangers of road travel in the region.
According to provincial officials, the collision occurred when a passenger bus, en route from Herat city to Kabul, collided with a motorbike carrying two individuals. Tragically, both riders lost their lives in the initial impact. Subsequently, the bus veered out of control and collided with an oil tanker traveling in the opposite direction from Kandahar to Herat.
The collision resulted in a fiery inferno, engulfing the vehicles and causing extensive damage. Images shared on social media by the provincial information department depict the aftermath of the accident, with charred wreckage strewn across the highway and the tanker’s cabin severely crushed.
While clean-up crews swiftly responded to the scene to remove debris, the toll of the accident was substantial. Of the 38 individuals injured, 11 sustained severe injuries, underscoring the gravity of the incident and the urgent need for medical attention.
Deadly traffic accidents are unfortunately common in Afghanistan, attributed to a combination of factors including poor road conditions, reckless driving practices, and inadequate regulatory measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by travelers navigating the country’s highways.
As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, communities mourn the loss of lives and extend their thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims. The need for improved road safety measures remains paramount to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.
