A tragic bus accident occurred on August 19, 2025, in Herat province, western Afghanistan, resulting in at least 79 fatalities, including 19 children.
The incident took place around 8:30 p.m. local time in the Guzara district, approximately 30 minutes from Herat city.
The bus, which was carrying Afghan nationals recently deported from Iran, collided with a motorcycle and a truck, leading to a massive fire that engulfed the vehicle.
Two individuals survived the crash but sustained injuries.
The victims were part of a larger group of Afghans who had been expelled from Iran amid increasing tensions between the two countries.
Many of the deportees were en route from the Islam Qala border crossing to Kabul, traveling along the Herat-Kabul highway, a route known for its hazardous conditions.
The crash has been described as one of the deadliest road accidents in Afghanistan in recent years.
Local authorities and emergency services responded promptly to the scene. Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, while medical teams assisted the survivors and recovered the bodies of the deceased.
Due to the severity of the fire, many victims were severely burned, making identification challenging.
The Afghan government has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and has pledged a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and to hold those responsible accountable.
The Ministry of Interior has called on transportation authorities to provide accurate information about the accident and to share their findings.
This tragedy underscores the ongoing challenges faced by deported Afghans, who often encounter perilous conditions both during their forced return and upon reintegration into Afghanistan.
The Herat-Kabul highway, in particular, has been the site of numerous fatal accidents, highlighting the need for improved road infrastructure and stricter traffic regulations to prevent such disasters in the future.