A tragic collision between a passenger bus and an oil tanker in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province has resulted in the loss of at least 21 lives, with 38 others sustaining injuries. The devastating incident unfolded on Sunday morning in the Gerashak district of Helmand province, as reported by AP news.

According to statements from the Provincial Traffic Department of Helmand, the collision occurred on the connecting highway between South Kandahar and West Herat Provinces. Helmand Traffic Officer Qudratullah revealed that the accident transpired when a motorcycle struck the passenger bus from behind, causing it to collide with an oil tanker approaching from the opposite direction. An investigation into the cause of the accident has been initiated.

The collision, which occurred on a major roadway linking Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, with the northern city of Herat, resulted in both vehicles catching fire upon impact. Images circulated on social media depicted the charred remains of the tanker engulfed in flames, highlighting the severity of the collision.

Hijatullah Haqqani, spokesperson for the Helmand police chief, disclosed that among the 38 injured individuals, 11 were hospitalized with serious injuries, underscoring the gravity of the incident.

Fatal accidents on Afghanistan's roadways are not uncommon, often attributed to factors such as poor road conditions, reckless driving practices, and inadequate traffic control systems. This tragic collision serves as yet another somber reminder of the dangers faced by commuters traversing the country's highways.

The incident evokes memories of a similar tragedy that occurred in December 2022, when an oil tanker overturned and ignited at the treacherous Salang Pass. In that incident, 31 lives were lost, with many others sustaining severe burns in the ensuing fire, highlighting the persistent risks posed by Afghanistan's road network.