Bus accidents in central Afghanistan leave 52 dead

KABUL: Two bus accidents in central Afghanistan have killed 52 people and injured 65, here on Thursday.

The incidents occurred late Wednesday night on a highway connecting Kabul to Kandahar in Ghazni province, as confirmed by Taliban government officials.

According to Hamidullah Nisar, the provincial head of information and culture, one bus collided with a fuel tanker near Shahbaz village, while the other bus collided with a truck in Andar district.

Chief government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and injuries, stressing the tragedy of the situation.

Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene to assist the injured, many of whom are said to be in critical condition.

Traffic accidents are unfortunately common in Afghanistan, due to poor roads, reckless driving, and a lack of regulatory oversight.

The incident echoes previous tragedies, such as a March clash in Helmand province that claimed more than 20 lives and another serious accident in December 2022 in which 31 people died when a fuel tanker overturned in the Salang Pass.

The recurring nature of such accidents highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures in the region.