21 Killed, Over 600 Injured in Balkh and Herat Traffic Accidents During Eid-ul-Fitr

At least 21 people were killed and more than 600 others injured in separate traffic accidents during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in northern Balkh and western Herat provinces.

Kamal Khan Zadran, spokesman for the Balkh Public Health Department, said 186 injured people were evacuated to the provincial hospital during Eid, while 10 others lost their lives. He said most incidents involved motorcycles, with women and children among the victims, though exact figures were unavailable. Zadran cited overspeeding, carelessness and failure to follow traffic rules by drivers and motorcyclists as the main causes.

Dr. Farhad Afzali, head of Herat Regional Hospital, said several traffic incidents occurred in the province during Eid, leaving 11 people dead and 430 others injured. He noted most victims were young people, largely due to reckless driving and negligence.

Health officials highlighted that such accidents, particularly involving young motorcyclists due to high speeds and carelessness, occur every year during Eid holidays, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries.