Bus Crash Kills 79 Afghan Deportees Near Iran Border

A devastating bus crash in Herat province, western Afghanistan, killed at least 79 people, including 17 to 19 children, who were Afghan migrants deported from Iran. The accident occurred when the bus, carrying deportees returning home, collided with a truck carrying fuel and a motorbike, causing a massive fire that killed many passengers on the spot. Officials described the crash as one of Afghanistan's deadliest traffic incidents in recent years, highlighting the country's hazardous road conditions and common traffic accidents due to poor infrastructure and reckless driving. This tragedy comes amid a recent surge in deportations, with over 1.8 million Afghans expelled from Iran, 184,000 from Pakistan, and thousands from Turkey since early 2025, as neighboring countries crack down on undocumented migrants. Afghan authorities have criticized these mass expulsions and warned drivers to exercise caution to prevent further accidents. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan refugees amid regional instability and forced returns.