A tragic bus accident in northwestern Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of at least 79 individuals, including 19 children. The incident occurred on the evening of March 12, 2025, as the victims were returning from Iran. According to Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the Afghan Interior Ministry, two additional people sustained injuries in the crash.
The collision took place in Herat Province when the bus collided with both a truck and a motorbike. The impact ignited a devastating fire that led to numerous fatalities on the scene, as reported by Tolo News. Traffic accidents are a frequent occurrence in Afghanistan, primarily attributed to poor road conditions and driver negligence.
In recent months, Afghanistan has witnessed a significant number of its citizens being forcibly returned from neighboring countries. Approximately 1.8 million Afghans have been sent back from Iran, while over 184,000 have been expelled from Pakistan. Additionally, more than 5,000 individuals have been deported from Turkey since the beginning of this year. The Taliban government has openly criticized neighboring nations for these mass expulsions, asserting that they are targeting foreigners residing there illegally.
The repercussions of these deportations are profound, with the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation estimating that around six million Afghan refugees remain abroad, seeking safety and stability. The humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, exacerbated by the challenges faced by those returning home under dire circumstances.
As Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic incident, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and addressing the broader issues contributing to such tragedies on the roads.
