71 Killed in Bus Crash Involving Afghans Deported from Iran
In a devastating accident, at least 71 people were killed in western Afghanistan after a passenger bus carrying refugees, recently deported from Iran, caught fire after colliding with a truck and motorcycle, according to authorities. The tragic incident took place on the day after Iranian Minister of Interior Eskandar Momeni announced that a further 800,000 people would have to leave the country by next March.
The bus was carrying a group of Afghans who had been deported from Iran, where they had sought refuge due to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. The accident occurred on the Herat-Mazar-e-Sharif highway, a major route in western Afghanistan, when the bus collided with a truck and motorcycle. The impact caused the bus to catch fire, resulting in the loss of numerous lives.
According to witnesses, the bus was severely damaged in the collision, and the fire that broke out was intense. Many of the passengers were trapped inside the bus, and rescue efforts were hampered by the remote location of the accident and the severity of the damage.
The Herat governor’s office confirmed the death toll, stating that 71 people were killed in the accident. The victims included men, women, and children. The exact number of injured is still unclear, but it is believed to be several dozen.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but authorities suspect that the bus was traveling at a high speed when it collided with the truck and motorcycle. The bus driver is reported to have been injured in the accident and is being questioned by authorities.
The accident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by refugees and migrants in the region. Many Afghans have fled their homes due to the ongoing conflict and have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including Iran. However, they often face harsh conditions and limited access to basic services.
The Iranian government’s decision to deport hundreds of thousands of Afghans by next March has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of these individuals. Many have expressed fears about being forced back into Afghanistan, where they may face further violence or persecution.
The accident has also raised questions about the treatment of refugees and migrants by governments in the region. Many have called for greater attention to be paid to the plight of these individuals, who are often forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or poverty.
In the aftermath of the accident, Afghan authorities have pledged to investigate the incident and provide assistance to the families of the victims. The Herat government has also announced plans to establish a committee to investigate the cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the world mourns the loss of life in this tragic accident, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and migrants in the region. It is imperative that governments work together to provide safe and dignified living conditions for these individuals, and to address the root causes of conflict and displacement.
