Two tragic bus accidents on Afghanistan’s Kabul-Kandahar Highway claimed the lives of at least 52 people and injured 76 others late Wednesday. The collisions occurred in Ghazni province, a critical region connecting the capital, Kabul, to southern Kandahar city, highlighting the perils of traveling on Afghanistan’s major highways.
The Crashes: Details and Devastation
The first crash happened near Shahbaz village, where a passenger bus collided with a fuel tanker, resulting in a devastating explosion and widespread casualties. Survivors described harrowing scenes of destruction, with bodies strewn across the site and cries of pain filling the air. Abdullah Khan, a survivor receiving treatment in Ghazni, recounted the chaos, saying, “I got out from the bus myself and heard the sound of moaning. There was blood everywhere.”
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In the second accident, a bus collided with a cargo truck in the Andar district of Ghazni province, compounding the night’s devastation. Both incidents occurred on the same highway within hours of each other, raising questions about the safety of the route and the conditions under which these vehicles operate.
Toll on Lives and Families
The death toll has been confirmed at 52 by Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who added that 65 people were injured, including women and children. Other local officials suggested the injury count could be as high as 76. Emergency responders transported the injured to hospitals in Ghazni, while those in critical condition were transferred to Kabul for specialized treatment. The process of identifying and returning the bodies of the deceased to their families is ongoing, adding to the grief and logistical challenges faced by the authorities.
Government Response and Call for Action
Zabihullah Mujahid expressed profound sorrow over the twin tragedies, describing them as deeply distressing. In a statement, he called for an immediate investigation into the causes of the crashes and urged officials to implement measures to prevent such disasters in the future. “These incidents have deeply disturbed and saddened us,” he said, emphasizing the need for accountability and long-term solutions.
Rescue and emergency teams responded swiftly, but the severity of the crashes and the number of casualties overwhelmed local resources. Survivors and witnesses have called for improvements to road safety measures, as well as better regulation of vehicles and drivers on the highways.
Pattern of Road Tragedies
Traffic accidents are tragically common in Afghanistan, with poor road conditions, reckless driving, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws contributing to the high casualty rates. Decades of conflict have left the country with a crumbling infrastructure, and major highways such as the Kabul-Kandahar route are notorious for their dangers.
This latest tragedy echoes similar incidents in recent years. In March, over 20 people were killed and 38 injured in Helmand province when a bus collided with a fuel tanker and burst into flames. In December 2022, a fuel tanker overturned and ignited in the Salang Pass, claiming 31 lives and leaving dozens more with severe burns.
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The twin crashes in Ghazni province serve as a grim reminder of the toll that unsafe roads take on the Afghan people. Families have been left to mourn loved ones, while survivors face the daunting task of recovery, both physical and emotional. With women and children among the casualties, the tragedy has left an indelible mark on communities already struggling with the challenges of daily life.