How Many Lives Were Lost in the Recent Afghanistan Road Tragedy?
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Synopsis
In a tragic event, a catastrophic road accident in Afghanistan's Herat province has led to the loss of 64 lives. This shocking incident involved a passenger bus, a mini-truck, and a motorbike, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 64 lives lost in a road accident in Herat province.
- Most victims were refugees returning from Iran.
- The accident involved a passenger bus, motorbike, and mini-truck.
- The bus caught fire, complicating identification of the deceased.
- Authorities expect the death toll to rise as information is still being collected.
Kabul, Aug 20 (NationPress) Tragically, at least 64 commuters have lost their lives, while three others have suffered injuries in a horrific road accident in the western region of Afghanistan's Herat province, as reported by Abdul Zahir Noorzai, the head of the province's rescue department, on Wednesday.
The fatal incident occurred on Tuesday night when a passenger bus collided with both a motorbike and a mini-truck on a road that connects Iran to Herat city, according to Xinhua News Agency citing official statements.
Most of the deceased, including women and children, were Afghan refugees who had recently returned from Iran to rebuild their lives in Afghanistan, the official noted.
Additionally, an anonymous official revealed that the bus ignited, leading to many bodies being unidentifiable.
The death toll may rise as more information is gathered, according to officials.
Earlier this month, two separate road incidents claimed seven lives and left others injured in Badakhshan province in northern Afghanistan, per a release from the provincial police.
The first incident in Shahr-i-Bazarg district resulted in five fatalities and another serious injury. In a related accident, two commuters died when their vehicle overturned in the neighboring Raghistan district on the same day.
On July 31, a similar tragedy occurred in Bamiyan province, where one individual was killed and 14 others were injured when their vehicle flipped due to a technical failure, as reported by the state-owned Bakhtar News Agency.
The incident took place in the Kotal Bukak area of Yakawlang district, where a mini-bus overturned, resulting in one death on the scene and injuring 14 others, including women and children, according to provincial police spokesman Mohammad Khawani Rasa.
All injured individuals were promptly transported to nearby health facilities for urgent medical care.
Point of View
I emphasize that this tragedy underscores the dire need for enhanced road safety in Afghanistan. The loss of lives, particularly among returning refugees, calls for immediate governmental action to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the accident in Herat province?
The accident was caused by a collision between a passenger bus, a motorbike, and a mini-truck on a busy road linking Iran to Herat city.
How many casualties were reported?
At least 64 people were reported dead, with three others sustaining injuries.
Who were the victims of the accident?
The majority of the victims were Afghan refugees returning from Iran, including many women and children.
Have there been similar incidents recently?
Yes, earlier this month, two separate accidents in Badakhshan province resulted in seven fatalities and several injuries.
What actions are being taken following the accident?
Authorities are continuing to gather information, and the death toll may rise as rescue operations proceed.
