Traffic Accidents Claim 41 Lives in Laghman Over Eight Months

Traffic authorities in Laghman province say 41 people, including women and children, have been killed and 100 others injured in 28 traffic accidents over the past eight months.

According to officials, most of the accidents occurred along the Kabul–Jalalabad highway. They say efforts are underway to improve road safety and prevent further casualties.

Hasibullah Mubarez, head of Laghman’s Traffic Department, said: “Rickshaws, tractors, three-wheelers, and vehicles of all sizes use the Kabul–Jalalabad highway. We have established checkpoints in different areas. Drivers who violate traffic laws, drive under the influence of drugs, or drive on the wrong side of the road will be arrested and referred to the relevant authorities.”

Meanwhile, seven members of a single family were killed in a traffic accident in the Mashlay Kamar area of Qarghayi district along the Kabul–Jalalabad highway two nights ago.

Mohabbat Khan, who lost family members in the accident, said: “I raised my son Najibullah through great hardship and supported his education until he became a doctor. But he lost his life in this traffic accident.”

Azizullah, another member of the family, said: “My brother, his wife, and their five children were all killed in the accident. The Kabul–Jalalabad highway is extremely dangerous and has claimed the lives of many Afghans.”

Reckless driving, speeding, heavy traffic, and failure to follow traffic regulations are cited as the main causes of these accidents.

Local residents are calling on authorities to strengthen traffic monitoring and enforce road safety regulations.

Bilal Nikzad, a resident of Nangarhar, said: “We want the second Kabul–Jalalabad highway to be completed as soon as possible. Right-hand-drive vehicles imported from Pakistan have also created serious problems. When drivers attempt to overtake other vehicles, they move toward the middle of the road, increasing the risk of deadly accidents.”

Kashmir Khan, a resident of Laghman, said: “We urge the Islamic Emirate to strictly check drivers’ licenses and vehicle registration documents to protect passengers and prevent further casualties.”

The Kabul–Jalalabad highway has frequently witnessed deadly traffic accidents.

The leader of the Islamic Emirate has issued a five-article decree aimed at preventing traffic accidents, ordering the arrest of drivers responsible for crashes on major highways.

The decree has raised hopes that stricter enforcement of traffic regulations will help reduce road accidents and save lives.