At least 50 people lost their lives in two devastating bus crashes on the Kabul-Kandahar Highway in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province. The tragic accidents, which occurred late Wednesday, highlight the persistent dangers on one of the country’s busiest routes. Provincial and national officials have called for immediate investigations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Two Fatal Accidents on the Same Highway
The first accident occurred near Shahbaz village in central Ghazni, where a passenger bus collided with a fuel tanker. Shortly after, another bus crashed into a truck in the eastern district of Andar. These back-to-back incidents left dozens dead and scores injured, with officials describing the scenes as catastrophic.
Hamidullah Nisar, the provincial head of information and culture, confirmed the accidents on Thursday via social media. Hafiz Omar, a spokesman for the Ghazni governor, reported 50 fatalities. Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief government spokesman, stated that the death toll had risen to 52, with 65 to 76 individuals injured in total.
Government Reaction and Call for Action
“These incidents have deeply disturbed and saddened us,” Mujahid said in a statement. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the need for urgent action. Mujahid called for thorough investigations into both accidents to determine the causes and implement measures to prevent future tragedies.
Officials acknowledged the hazardous conditions of Afghanistan’s highways, where poor infrastructure, reckless driving, and overloaded vehicles frequently lead to deadly crashes. The Kabul-Kandahar Highway, a critical route connecting the capital to the southern region, is particularly notorious for traffic accidents.
Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath
Witnesses described chaotic scenes at the crash sites, with vehicles engulfed in flames and survivors scrambling for safety. Local residents rushed to help, while emergency responders worked to transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
The majority of the injured sustained severe burns and fractures, overwhelming medical facilities in Ghazni province. Health workers reported a shortage of critical supplies, adding to the challenges of treating survivors.
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Recurring Danger on Afghan Roads
The Kabul-Kandahar Highway is a vital link for passengers and goods but remains perilous due to years of neglect. Accidents are common on this route, which sees heavy traffic despite its poor condition. Factors such as unregulated driving, overloaded vehicles, and lack of enforcement contribute to the high accident rate.
Experts warn that without significant investment in road safety and infrastructure, similar tragedies are likely to continue. They urge authorities to prioritize maintenance, implement stricter traffic regulations, and raise public awareness about safe driving practices.
A Call for Safety
The deadly crashes in Ghazni serve as a grim reminder of Afghanistan’s road safety crisis. As the nation mourns the lives lost, urgent steps must be taken to improve the conditions of its highways. The Kabul-Kandahar route, vital for connecting communities and facilitating commerce, must no longer be a path of danger and despair.
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