KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – At least 52 people, including women and children, were killed and 65 others injured in two separate traffic accidents in Ghazni province, southeastern Afghanistan, Taliban authorities confirmed.
Both deadly incidents occurred on the Kabul-Kandahar highway on Wednesday evening, December 18. The first incident took place in the capital city of Ghazni, where a 580-type passenger bus collided with a gas tanker. The second incident occurred just 15 kilometers away in Andar district when a similar bus collided with a trailer, according to local sources.
In a statement posted on X, Taliban chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the incident and the number of casualties, saying that the incidents would be investigated and necessary measures would be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Earlier, the office of the Taliban governor for Ghazni province reported 123 casualties, including 47 killed and 76 injured. The office stated that the injured individuals were taken to hospitals in Ghazni and neighboring Zabul province, with several in critical condition.
Traffic accidents in Afghanistan have significantly increased in recent years, with poor road conditions, driver negligence, and non-compliance with traffic regulations being some of the main contributing factors.
A recent report by Etilaatroz revealed that traffic accidents in Afghanistan have increased fivefold since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
The report, based on Taliban data, shows that around 1,187 incidents occurred during the solar year 1400 (March 2021 to March 2022). The following year, the number increased to 2,662, and in 1402 (March 2023 to March 2024), at least 5,520 traffic accidents were recorded in Afghanistan, reflecting a 78.5% increase over the two years.
The Taliban authorities did not disclose the total number of casualties from traffic accidents during this period. However, Etilaatroz examined 692 traffic accidents from March 2022 to October 2024, finding that at least 1,524 people were killed and 3,319 others were injured in these incidents.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that although Afghanistan has a national speed limit law, it is not strictly enforced. Additionally, there are no laws currently regulating seatbelt use, mobile phone use while driving, or proper training and examination before obtaining a driving license.
According to the WHO, over 4,700 people die in road traffic accidents each year in Afghanistan. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among women, children, and young adults.
