A tragic accident in Herat, Afghanistan, has claimed the lives of at least 71 people, including 17 children. The victims were Afghan nationals recently deported from Iran. The bus carrying them collided with a truck and a motorcycle, leading to a massive fire. Only three passengers survived.
Deadly Bus Accident in Herat
On Tuesday evening, August 19, 2025, a bus carrying Afghan deportees from Iran met with a devastating accident in Guzara city of Herat province. According to Ahmadullah Muttaki, the spokesperson for the Herat provincial government, the crash killed at least 71 people, among them 17 children.
Collision and Fire
Local police and Ahmadullah Muttaki confirmed that the bus collided with a truck and a motorcycle. Following the collision, the bus immediately caught fire. Police stated that the main reasons behind the accident were overspeeding and driver’s negligence.
Read More: In Bangladesh, a Large Section May Now Be Called ‘Delulu’: Kamal Ahmed
Connection with Iran’s Deportation Policy
Just a day before the crash, on Monday, Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni announced that around 800,000 more people, including many Afghans, would be deported back to their country within the next month.
This tragic accident highlights the dangers and struggles Afghan deportees face after being forced to return from Iran.
Details of the Journey
Provincial government official Yusuf Saeedi explained that the bus had crossed the Islam Qala border crossing from Iran and was heading toward Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul. Out of all passengers, only three survived the crash.
Taliban Government Confirms Victims Were Deportees
Taliban’s chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the passengers killed in the crash were among those deported from Iran.
He stated:
“বাস দুর্ঘটনায় হতাহত ব্যক্তিরা ইরান থেকে বিতাড়িত হয়েছিলেন।”
Translation: “The victims of the bus accident had been deported from Iran.”
Source: Dhaka Tribune
