At least 18 people were killed and 30 others were injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghanistan, Anadolu reports.

According to local security officials quoted by local media, the accident occurred in the Sorkhakan area of Laghman province during the morning hours.

Officials said the vehicle was transporting Afghans who had recently returned to place, when it overturned, leaving dozens of passengers trapped or injured.

According to local authorities, emergency teams and residents rushed to the scene to help the victims and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. It is reported that some of the injured are in critical condition, increasing the fear that the number of victims may increase.

The cause of the accident is not yet known, while the authorities announced that an investigation has been opened. Security officials quoted by local media said preliminary information indicated the truck was carrying a large number of passengers at the time of the accident.

The incident highlights the dangers facing many Afghan returnees as thousands continue to return to the country from neighboring countries, often traveling long distances and in difficult conditions.

Overloaded vehicles, poor road infrastructure and limited opportunities to transport have contributed to frequent road accidents in Afghanistan.

Road accidents remain one of the leading causes of death and injury in the country, where mountainous terrain, worn roads and inadequate safety measures often create hazardous travel conditions.

Source: prizrenpost