At least 52 people were killed and 68 injured in two separate bus accidents on a major highway in central Afghanistan on Wednesday.

The accidents occurred on the Kabul-Kandahar highway in Ghazni province, involving a bus colliding with a fuel tanker near Shahbaz village and another bus hitting a truck in the eastern district of Andar.

Hamidullah Nisar, the provincial head of information and culture, warned that the death toll could rise as some of the injured were in critical condition and had been transported to Kabul for treatment. He confirmed that children, women, and elderly people were among the casualties.

Chief government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid expressed regret over the tragic incidents and announced the launch of an investigation.

Rescue teams worked throughout the night to clear debris from the accident sites, which were littered with metal, glass, and the belongings of the passengers.

This report provides a concise and informative summary of the tragic bus accidents in Afghanistan. (ILKHA)