71 Killed in Bus Crash Involving Afghans Deported from Iran
Tragedy struck western Afghanistan on Monday when a passenger bus carrying refugees, recently deported from Iran, caught fire after colliding with a truck and motorcycle, resulting in the loss of at least 71 precious lives. This devastating accident comes just a day after Iranian Minister of Interior Eskandar Momeni announced that a further 8,00,000 people would have to leave the country by next March.
The bus, which was carrying around 170 people, was traveling from the western city of Herat to the capital city of Kabul when it collided with a truck and motorcycle on the main highway. The impact of the collision caused the bus to catch fire, engulfing it in flames and trapping many passengers inside. Despite the efforts of rescue teams to put out the fire and evacuate the passengers, the majority of those on board perished in the blaze.
The exact cause of the accident is still unknown, but officials have launched an investigation into the matter. Herat province’s governor, Wahidullah Mayar, has confirmed that the bus was carrying deportees from Iran, who had been returned to Afghanistan after being deported from the neighboring country.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the region, with many expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. “The Afghan government is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and is committed to providing aid and support to the families affected,” said a spokesperson for the Afghan government.
The accident has also sparked concerns about the safety of deportees being returned to Afghanistan from Iran. Many deportees have reported facing poor living conditions, lack of access to basic services, and limited job opportunities in Afghanistan. The country’s infrastructure is also struggling to cope with the influx of deportees, leading to overcrowding and poverty in many areas.
The Iranian Minister of Interior’s announcement that 8,00,000 more people would have to leave the country by next March has added to the concerns. Many experts believe that this decision is likely to exacerbate the already dire situation for deportees in Afghanistan.
“This is a humanitarian disaster waiting to happen,” said Dr. Saeed Nasiri, a leading expert on migration and refugee issues. “The Iranian government needs to take immediate action to address the root causes of migration and provide safe and dignified living conditions for those who are forced to leave their homes.”
The international community has also condemned the accident and called for urgent action to address the crisis. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and are working closely with the Afghan government to provide assistance to the affected families,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of forced migration and the need for governments and international organizations to work together to address this global crisis.
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