Tragic Truck Flip Claims Lives of 22, Including 10 Children, in Afghanistan

A truck flipped over, killing at least 22 people, including 10 children and five women, while injuring about 36 others in eastern Afghanistan. The tragedy unfolded as Afghan refugees returned from Pakistan, where many faced deportation.

The crash occurred in Laghman province on a major highway connecting Kabul to Nangarhar province. Abdul Malik Niazai, the provincial governor's spokesperson, confirmed the grim details.

Officials reported that the driver likely fell asleep, causing the truck to plunge into a ditch. The injured were rushed to hospitals in Nangarhar for urgent medical care.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban government, expressed sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the victims' families.

Many of the injured were children, highlighting the tragic impact on families. The provincial director of public health, Aminullah Sharif, reiterated that 22 lives were lost and around 36 individuals sustained injuries.

This accident is part of a larger crisis as thousands of Afghans return home from Pakistan amid a crackdown on undocumented migrants. In 2023, Pakistan intensified deportations, forcing many Afghans, including those born there, to leave after decades of living and working in the country.

Iran also ramped up expulsions of Afghan migrants during this period, contributing to the mass return of millions to Afghanistan.

In a separate incident in Nuristan province, a car veered off the road into a river, injuring the driver and leaving four passengers unaccounted for. Rescue teams are actively searching for the missing individuals.

Traffic accidents plague Afghanistan due to poorly maintained roads and widespread disregard for traffic laws.

The truck had hit a ditch before overturning.