Kabul( The COW News Digital) A devastating traffic accident in Afghanistan’s western province of Herat has claimed the lives of at least 71 people, leaving numerous others critically injured. The tragic incident occurred when a passenger bus collided with a motorcycle due to high speed, resulting in a sudden fire that engulfed the bus.
According to local authorities, the bus was traveling on a busy route when the collision took place. Eyewitnesses described the scene as catastrophic, stating that the fire spread so rapidly that passengers had no chance to escape. Among the deceased, 17 were children, highlighting the extreme human cost of the accident. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, receiving urgent medical attention at nearby hospitals.
Rescue operations were immediately deployed, with emergency teams rushing to the site to recover bodies and transport the wounded to medical facilities. Hospitals in the region have declared emergency protocols to handle the influx of casualties, while investigations are underway to determine the cause and contributing factors of the accident.
The Afghan government expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims. Officials have also instructed that all possible medical and humanitarian assistance be provided to the injured.
This accident comes amid a series of tragic incidents in South Asia, including recent heavy rains in Maharashtra, India, which resulted in multiple deaths due to floods and landslides. Authorities are urging drivers and commuters to exercise caution, especially in areas with high traffic density and challenging road conditions.
Road safety experts have called for improved traffic management, stricter speed regulations, and awareness campaigns to prevent such accidents in the future. The Herat bus tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by high-speed travel and insufficient road safety measures.
Investigators are examining the vehicle’s condition, driver conduct, and road circumstances to understand the exact sequence of events. The Afghan government has promised a thorough inquiry and measures to ensure safer transportation across the country.
The incident has sparked national grief, with communities across Afghanistan mourning the loss of innocent lives. Authorities continue to focus on rescue, medical aid, and support for affected families as the nation comes to terms with the scale of the disaster.
