A devastating road accident in eastern Afghanistan has left 18 people dead, including 10 children, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in the country. The victims were among Afghan families returning home from Pakistan when the overloaded truck overturned on a major highway.
According to Beyond Time News, the fatal crash occurred on Saturday along the route connecting Jalalabad and Kabul. Rescue teams rushed to the scene and transported the injured to nearby medical facilities.
Children and Women Among the Victims
Provincial officials confirmed that the accident claimed the lives of 18 passengers. The victims included 10 children, five women, and three men.
Abdul Malik Niazay, spokesperson for the governor of Laghman province, said that authorities also recorded 29 injuries. Medical teams continue to provide treatment to those hurt in the crash.
Furthermore, officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Returning Families Were Traveling From Pakistan
The truck carried Afghan families who had recently left Pakistan and were returning to Afghanistan. Many passengers were traveling with personal belongings as they made the journey back to their homeland.
In recent months, Pakistan has tightened measures regarding undocumented migrants and refugees. As a result, thousands of Afghan families have returned to Afghanistan, often using trucks and other crowded forms of transport to move their belongings.
Consequently, long-distance travel under difficult conditions has increased for many returning families.
Road Safety Remains a Major Challenge
Traffic accidents continue to pose a serious challenge across Afghanistan. Poor road conditions, limited traffic enforcement, vehicle overloading, and unsafe driving practices contribute to frequent crashes.
Decades of conflict have damaged much of the country’s infrastructure. Although authorities have made efforts to improve transportation networks, many roads still require significant upgrades.
Therefore, safety experts regularly call for stricter traffic regulations, better driver training, and improved road maintenance to reduce accident rates.
Rising Number of Afghan Returnees
According to figures from the United Nations, more than 447,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan since the beginning of the year. The return movement has increased significantly as many families seek to resettle in Afghanistan.
Humanitarian organizations continue to monitor the situation and provide support to vulnerable returnees. However, the growing number of people traveling across the country has also raised concerns about transportation safety and access to essential services.
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Previous Deadly Accidents Highlight Risks
Sadly, this is not the first major road tragedy involving returning Afghan migrants.
In August last year, a bus carrying Afghan returnees from Iran collided with two other vehicles in western Afghanistan. The crash killed 78 people, including 19 children, making it one of the deadliest traffic accidents in recent years.
The latest tragedy has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for safer transportation and stronger road safety measures across the country.
A Nation Mourns Another Loss
The truck accident has left families grieving and communities in shock. As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, many are calling for greater efforts to protect travelers on Afghanistan’s roads.
Meanwhile, humanitarian groups continue to stress the importance of safe transport options for returning families who often undertake long and difficult journeys under challenging conditions.
FAQs
Where did the truck accident occur?
The accident took place on the highway connecting Jalalabad and Kabul in eastern Afghanistan.
How many people died in the crash?
A total of 18 people lost their lives, including 10 children, five women, and three men.
How many people were injured?
Officials reported that 29 people sustained injuries in the accident.
Who were the passengers on the truck?
The truck carried Afghan families returning home from Pakistan.
Why are many Afghans returning from Pakistan?
Many Afghans have returned following stricter measures affecting migrants and refugees in Pakistan, prompting families to relocate back to Afghanistan.
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