At least six people, including women and children, were killed and 42 others injured after a passenger bus overturned in the Fifth Square area of North Salang in Afghanistan’s Baghlan province, local authorities confirmed.

The deadly accident occurred late on Saturday amid extremely harsh weather conditions. According to preliminary reports, icy road surfaces combined with a severe winter storm caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to the crash on the treacherous Salang route, a vital but often dangerous mountain passage linking northern and central Afghanistan.

Baghlan provincial police said emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident. Injured passengers were provided with immediate medical assistance and transported to nearby health facilities for treatment.

Health officials reported that most of the injured are receiving care in hospitals in Baghlan, while at least five people remain in critical condition. Due to the severity of their injuries and limited medical facilities in the area, authorities said these patients may be transferred to Kunduz province for advanced treatment.

The Salang highway is frequently affected by heavy snowfall, ice, and storms during the winter months, often resulting in traffic accidents and road closures. Officials have repeatedly urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and avoid travel during severe weather conditions, particularly at night.

Local authorities said an investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances of the crash, while rescue and relief efforts continue for affected families. (ILKHA)