Two devastating bus crashes on the Kabul-Kandahar Highway claimed 52 lives and left 65 others injured late Wednesday, marking one of Afghanistan’s deadliest road incidents in recent months, the Taliban government announced on Thursday.
The first tragedy struck near Shahbaz village in central Ghazni province, where a bus collided with a fuel tanker. Moments later, in the eastern district of Andar, a second bus slammed into a truck, compounding the heartbreak on the perilous highway.
Hamidullah Nisar, Ghazni’s provincial head of information, broke the news on social media, though specifics on casualty numbers for each incident remain unclear. Chief government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid expressed deep sorrow, stating, “We regret to report the loss of 52 compatriots, with 65 others injured in these heartbreaking accidents.”
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, transporting survivors to local hospitals. Many remain in critical condition, amplifying the toll of the catastrophe.
Afghanistan’s battered road infrastructure—ravaged by decades of war—along with reckless driving and lax enforcement of safety regulations, continues to fuel such tragic occurrences.
This incident adds to a series of fatal road accidents in the country. Just months ago, a bus collided with a fuel tanker in Helmand province, leaving over 20 dead and 38 injured. In December 2022, a fuel tanker explosion in the Salang Pass claimed 31 lives, leaving dozens severely burned.
As grief grips the nation, the haunting reality of Afghanistan’s dangerous highways underscores the urgent need for reform and safety measures to prevent future calamities.
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