Truck Accident Claims Lives of Refugees in Eastern Afghanistan

A truck accident in eastern Afghanistan on 30 May 2026 resulted in the deaths of at least 22 individuals, with most casualties being women and children. The vehicle, transporting Afghan families returning from neighbouring Pakistan, overturned on a highway linking Kabul, the capital, to Nangarhar province. The incident occurred in Laghman province, according to Abdul Malik Niazai, the spokesperson for the provincial governor.

Among the deceased were ten children and five women. An additional 36 individuals sustained injuries and were subsequently taken to hospitals in Nangarhar. Aminullah Sharif, the provincial director of public health, confirmed the fatality numbers and indicated that the accident ensued when the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel, causing the truck to fall into a ditch.

The families aboard the truck were part of the large-scale return of Afghans from Pakistan, a trend accelerated by recent governmental crackdowns on migrants. Since the beginning of 2023, Pakistan has intensified measures against Afghan migrants, leading to the deportation of thousands. In parallel, Iran has also increased expulsions of Afghan nationals during this period. This exodus includes many Afghans who had spent years, if not decades, living in Pakistan.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration report that approximately 447,400 Afghans have returned from Pakistan since the start of the year.

In a separate incident on the evening of 29 May, a car accident in Nuristan province caused injuries to the driver, while four passengers are still reported missing after the vehicle fell into a river. Rescue efforts are ongoing to locate the missing individuals. Traffic accidents are relatively frequent in Afghanistan, mainly due to poorly maintained roads, inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations, and reckless driving behaviours.

The road conditions, coupled with the challenges faced by returning Afghan families, underscore the necessity for improved infrastructure and road safety measures throughout the country.