79 Killed in Fiery Bus Crash in Afghanistan Amid Surge in Forced Returns from Iran

A deadly bus crash in Afghanistan’s Herat province killed 79 people returning from Iran, including 19 children. The incident highlights the dangers faced by Afghan returnees amid mass deportations. Advocacy groups are urging safer repatriation measures as road accidents and unsafe conditions continue to endanger displaced families.

At least 79 people, including 19 children, were killed when a bus carrying Afghan returnees from Iran crashed and caught fire in Afghanistan’s Herat province on Tuesday evening. The tragic accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. when the bus collided with a truck and a motorcycle, triggering a massive blaze that engulfed the vehicle.

According to Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani, only two individuals survived the crash with injuries. Advocacy groups and humanitarian organizations expressed deep concern over the risks faced by Afghan returnees, especially children, as border deportations continue from neighboring countries.

“This horrific tragedy is a stark reminder of the deadly risks hundreds of thousands of Afghan children face on their journeys from Iran,” said Samira Sayed Rahman of Save the Children, calling on countries to ensure that returns are conducted with safety and dignity.

Nearly 1.8 million Afghans have been forcibly returned from Iran in recent months, while Pakistan has deported more than 184,000, and Turkey has expelled over 5,000 since the beginning of 2025. Additionally, about 10,000 Afghan prisoners, mostly from Pakistan, have been repatriated. Despite ongoing deportations, around 6 million Afghan refugees remain abroad, according to the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation.

The Taliban government criticized neighboring nations last month over the escalating expulsions, stating that these returns often lack coordination or humanitarian considerations. Advocacy groups argue that vulnerable populations, particularly children, face heightened dangers due to unsafe travel conditions and unstable living situations in Afghanistan.

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Traffic accidents are tragically common in Afghanistan due to poor infrastructure, overcrowded roads, and lack of enforcement of traffic laws, compounding the risks for those forcibly displaced.