A severe traffic accident in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, on Sunday, March 17, 2024, resulted in the death of 21 individuals and injured 38 others.

The Gerashk district, located on the main highway between the southern Kandahar province and the western Herat province, was the site of the catastrophic collision. The accident involved a motorbike, a passenger bus, and a fuel tanker, triggering a fire that led to significant casualties and multiple injuries.

Provincial traffic department officials in Helmand reported that the accident started with a motorbike and a passenger bus collision. The bus then veered into the opposite lane, striking a fuel tanker. The collision sparked a large-scale fire, contributing to the high casualty count. These details were confirmed by Hzatullah Haqqani, a spokesperson for the Helmand police chief, who also stated that an investigation into the accident’s precise cause was in progress.

Of the 38 injured, 11 sustained serious injuries and were rushed to local hospitals for immediate medical attention.

Images shared on social media by the provincial information department illustrated the crash’s devastating impact, showing burnt and twisted wreckage strewn across the highway and the crushed cabin of the tanker. Cleanup teams were dispatched to clear the debris and support the thorough investigation.

This event highlights the persistent issue of traffic safety in Afghanistan, where accidents frequently occur due to substandard road conditions, insufficient signage, and general driver negligence.

Previously, in December 2022, a horrific road accident occurred in the Salang Pass when an oil tanker tipped over and ignited. This accident claimed the lives of 31 individuals and left several others with burn injuries.

Data from Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Traffic Police presents a disturbing reality, with over 1,600 fatalities and more than 4,000 injuries reported in the past ten months due to road traffic accidents. These figures underscore the critical need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to mitigate further casualties and injuries.