A devastating traffic accident in western Herat province has claimed the lives of at least 79 people, most of whom were recently returned refugees from Iran, local officials confirmed on Wednesday.

Three others were seriously injured in the collision, which occurred on the ring road in Herat province.

According to Mufti Mohammad Yusuf Saeedi, spokesman for the Herat governor, the incident involved a 580-model passenger bus traveling from Islam Qala towards Kabul. The bus collided with a motorcycle and a Mazda lorry, sparking a fire that engulfed the vehicles. Among the victims were elderly individuals, women, children, the bus driver, the motorcyclist, and the Mazda driver. The three survivors sustained severe injuries and were promptly transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Saeedi reported that 76 of the deceased were migrants who had recently returned to Afghanistan from Iran, highlighting the vulnerability of displaced populations. The Herat administration, in coordination with the Ministry of Defence and the 207 Al-Farooq Army Corps, transferred the bodies to the corps’ mortuary, where preparations are underway for their burial and transfer to Kabul province.

Rescue teams and medical staff responded swiftly to the scene, providing immediate assistance. The provincial administration expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and urged all drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent future tragedies.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports suggesting that high speed and possible driver fatigue may have contributed to the collision. The Herat Traffic Department has since announced plans to enhance road safety measures, including stricter enforcement of speed limits and mandatory rest periods for long-haul drivers.

Community leaders in Herat have called for improved support for returning refugees, noting that many face precarious conditions upon their return to Afghanistan. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) issued a statement expressing sorrow over the loss of life and pledged to work with Afghan authorities to provide assistance to the victims’ families and the injured.

The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the safety of Afghanistan’s road networks, particularly in regions like Herat, which serve as critical transit points for returning migrants. The Herat administration has vowed to prioritize infrastructure improvements and public awareness campaigns to reduce the risk of such accidents in the future.

This tragedy underscores the challenges faced by Afghanistan’s returning refugee population and the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures across the country. (ILKHA)