This is a Locator map for Afghanistan with its capitol Kabul.
A devastating bus crash in Afghanistan has claimed the lives of at least 79 people. Many of the victims were Afghan nationals returning from Iran. Among the dead were 19 children, officials confirmed.
The tragic incident occurred late Tuesday evening in Herat province, leaving only two survivors with injuries. The crash highlights both the dangerous road conditions in Afghanistan and the hardships faced by returning Afghan refugees.
Deadly Collision in Herat
According to the Interior Ministry, the accident happened around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The passenger bus collided with a truck and a motorbike, sparking a massive fire. The blaze spread quickly, trapping passengers inside the bus. Most victims died on the spot.
Local reports said the victims included men, women, and children returning home after deportation from Iran. The two injured survivors are receiving treatment, but their condition remains serious.
Growing Wave of Forced Returns
This tragedy comes amid a surge in forced deportations of Afghan nationals from neighboring countries. Nearly 1.8 million Afghans have been expelled from Iran in recent months. Pakistan has returned more than 184,000, while Turkey has deported over 5,000 since the start of the year.
Afghanistan has also received almost 10,000 prisoners repatriated from foreign jails, mostly in Pakistan. The United Nations estimates that around 6 million Afghan refugees are still living abroad.
Taliban Condemns Mass Expulsions
The Taliban government has repeatedly criticized Iran and Pakistan for their expulsion campaigns. Officials argue that sending back Afghan families, including children, places them at severe risk. Many returnees face economic hardship, insecurity, and now, deadly travel conditions.
The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has urged neighboring countries to stop forced returns. However, both Iran and Pakistan maintain that they are acting against foreigners residing illegally.
Children Face the Greatest Risks
Humanitarian organizations have raised alarm over the dangers Afghan children face during these forced journeys. Save the Children issued a statement after the Herat bus crash, calling it a stark warning.
“Hundreds of thousands of Afghan children are being forced to return under unsafe conditions,” said Samira Sayed Rahman, a spokesperson for the group. She stressed that deported children face not only economic hardship but also life-threatening dangers during travel.
The organization has urged international governments to prioritize safe, voluntary, and dignified returns rather than mass expulsions.
Road Safety Crisis in Afghanistan
Deadly road accidents are frequent in Afghanistan. Poor infrastructure, reckless driving, and lack of traffic enforcement contribute to the crisis. Narrow highways, unmarked roads, and overburdened vehicles make long-distance travel extremely risky.
In rural areas, poor emergency response worsens the impact of such accidents. Victims often do not receive timely medical assistance, leading to higher death tolls.
The Herat bus crash underscores this ongoing crisis. Experts say that without urgent investment in road safety and enforcement, such disasters will continue to claim lives.
A Nation in Mourning
Families across Afghanistan are grieving after the Herat tragedy. For many, the return from Iran was meant to be a chance to rebuild their lives. Instead, the journey ended in one of the deadliest crashes in recent years.
The disaster has also sparked wider debate about the safety of returnees and the responsibility of neighboring countries. As Afghanistan struggles with economic collapse, refugee crises, and poor infrastructure, the human cost continues to rise.
The Herat bus crash serves as a grim reminder of the dangers facing Afghans, both inside the country and across its borders.
