A tragic bus crash in Herat, Afghanistan, killed at least 76 Afghans deported from Iran, including 17 children. Here’s the full story, key details, and international reaction.

Bus Carrying Afghans Deported from Iran Crashes, Killing Dozens

Introduction

In one of Afghanistan’s deadliest road tragedies this year, a bus carrying Afghan migrants deported from Iran crashed and burst into flames on Tuesday, killing at least 76 people, including 17 children.

The horrific accident occurred near the city of Herat, after the bus departed from Islam Qala, a town near the Afghanistan-Iran border, and was heading toward Kabul. The crash highlights the mounting humanitarian crisis caused by Iran’s mass deportations of undocumented Afghans, which have accelerated sharply in recent months.

What Happened: A Tragic Timeline

According to Mufti Mohammad Yousuf Saeedi, a spokesperson for the Herat governor’s office, the bus collided on a busy highway before catching fire. Disturbing videos from the scene show the bus engulfed in flames as thick black smoke filled the sky.

Emergency responders rushed to the site, but due to the intense fire, rescuers struggled to retrieve victims. Burned bodies were later transferred to a provincial hospital for identification.

Key Facts from the Incident

Iran’s Mass Deportation Policy

The victims on the bus were among thousands of Afghans recently deported from Iran as part of Tehran’s accelerated crackdown on undocumented migrants.

Iran hosts millions of Afghan workers, many of whom live in semi-permanent settlements without proper documents. In March 2025, Iran announced a sweeping deportation program targeting Afghans working low-paid jobs.

Scale of Deportations

The pace of deportations has drawn international criticism, especially after claims surfaced that Afghans were spying for Israel — accusations widely dismissed as unsubstantiated.

Why So Many Afghans Live in Iran

For decades, millions of Afghans have fled their homeland due to war, poverty, and political instability. Iran has long been a primary destination because of its proximity and job opportunities.

However, the lack of formal refugee protections has left many vulnerable. Most Afghans in Iran work in low-wage sectors like construction, agriculture, and domestic labor, often without legal documentation.

Now, with mass deportations underway, thousands are being forced back to Afghanistan — a country still grappling with economic collapse and limited infrastructure under Taliban rule.

International Reaction & Humanitarian Concerns

Human rights organizations and UN agencies have raised alarms over the safety risks posed by Iran’s deportation campaign, especially for families returning under harsh conditions.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated:

“The scale and speed of these deportations raise significant humanitarian concerns, especially when basic safety, health, and reintegration services are unavailable.”

This bus tragedy highlights those very concerns — overcrowded transport, poorly maintained roads, and insufficient emergency response infrastructure.

Why This Accident Is So Deadly

Afghanistan has one of the highest road fatality rates in Asia, largely due to poor infrastructure, limited traffic regulations, and outdated vehicles.

Key factors contributing to the Herat tragedy:

• Overcrowded buses transporting deportees
• Long-distance travel without rest breaks
• Poorly maintained roads connecting border towns
• Lack of proper vehicle safety standards
• Delayed emergency response due to remote location

The Human Cost: Families Devastated

Among the 76 killed, many were women and children. Witnesses described scenes of desperation as families tried to escape the burning bus.

Ahmadullah Muttaqi, Herat’s Director of Information and Culture, confirmed that 17 children were among the dead. Families are now struggling to identify remains, a process made harder due to the intensity of the fire.

The Bigger Picture: Afghanistan’s Migration Crisis

This tragedy sheds light on a larger regional crisis involving Afghanistan, Iran, and neighboring countries.

• Economic desperation: Years of conflict have left limited job opportunities at home.
• Dependence on Iran: Hundreds of thousands of Afghans rely on seasonal work in Iran to support families.
• Policy pressure: Iran’s sudden deportation waves strain Afghanistan’s limited resources.
• Safety risks: Returning migrants face unemployment, poverty, and now transportation hazards.

Possible Government Response

Following the accident, the Taliban-led Afghan government has pledged an investigation into road safety standards and transport management. However, analysts believe broader policy changes — including better coordination with Iran on deportation logistics — are needed to prevent future tragedies.

Conclusion

The Herat bus crash is a grim reminder of the human toll of forced migration. Dozens of Afghans, including children, lost their lives not just in an accident, but in the broader context of geopolitical tension, mass deportations, and economic hardship.

While the immediate focus remains on helping victims’ families, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for regional cooperation, humanitarian support, and safer migration policies.

FAQs

1. Where did the bus crash happen?
The accident occurred on a highway near Herat, Afghanistan.

2. How many people were killed?
At least 76 people, including 17 children, died in the crash.

3. Why were Afghans deported from Iran?
Iran launched a mass deportation program targeting undocumented Afghans, citing economic strain and unproven claims of espionage.

4. What triggered the surge in deportations?
Deportations increased after Iran’s conflict with Israel, with Tehran accusing Afghans of spying — claims widely criticized by international groups.

5. What happens next?
Authorities are investigating the crash while humanitarian organizations push for safer transport and better deportation management.