MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman has expressed its deepest condolences to the government and people of Afghanistan following a tragic road accident in Herat province that resulted in significant loss of life. In its official statement, the Ministry conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery for those injured in the devastating incident. The statement underscored Oman’s solidarity with Afghanistan during this difficult time and reiterated the nation’s commitment to supporting humanitarian values and international empathy in the face of such tragedies.
According to Afghan authorities, the horrific accident occurred on Tuesday night in the western region of Herat, involving a passenger bus that collided with a truck and a motorcycle. The collision was so severe that the bus caught fire, leaving no chance for escape. Tragically, all those on board the bus lost their lives, along with two individuals traveling in the other vehicles involved. Officials confirmed that the victims included men, women, and children, painting a grim picture of the immense human loss from this single incident.
Initial reports suggest that the ill-fated bus was transporting Afghan nationals who had recently been deported from Iran. This detail highlights the broader humanitarian context of the tragedy, as these individuals were already facing immense hardships and displacement before the accident occurred. The combination of long travel routes, overburdened vehicles, and poor road safety conditions has been cited as a major contributing factor to road accidents in the region, raising concerns over the safety of returning migrants and refugees.
Authorities in Afghanistan have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash, while emergency response teams worked to recover bodies and clear the wreckage. This disaster has sparked renewed calls for improved road safety measures, better regulation of passenger transport, and international assistance to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Sultanate’s message of condolence serves as a reminder of the importance of global solidarity in addressing both the immediate and long-term consequences of such catastrophic events.
