18 Afghan Refugees Die in Truck Accident in Laghman Province

Afghanistan. At least 18 people have died when a cargo truck carrying Afghan refugees returning to their country from Pakistan met with an accident in Afghanistan's eastern Laghman province. Among the dead were women and children, with at least 10 children among those who lost their lives.

According to Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the accident occurred on Saturday morning near Surkhakan Chowk in Kargasai district of Laghman. The truck, filled with family members and their household goods, slipped off the road and fell into a ditch.

According to provincial health director Aminullah Sharif, preliminary investigation shows that the truck went out of control and met with an accident due to the driver falling asleep. More than 30 passengers were injured in the accident, some of whom are said to be in serious condition. The injured have been sent to hospitals in the neighboring Nangarhar province for treatment.

The families involved in the accident were temporarily residing in the eastern Kunar province and were on their way to the capital Kabul.

The Taliban government has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Additionally, the National Disaster Management Authority has announced emergency financial assistance equivalent to 730,000 Afghani to the affected families.

According to the United Nations, more than 447,000 Afghan citizens have returned from Pakistan in 2026 alone. Such road accidents are frequent in Afghanistan due to weak road infrastructure, dilapidated vehicles, and lack of safety standards.