At least seven people were killed and two others sustained injuries in a highway collision in eastern Afghanistan’s Laghman province on Saturday evening, the provincial police office said on Sunday. The accident occurred when a speeding vehicle struck a three‑wheeled motorcycle in the Mashli area of Qarghayi district, along a major highway linking Kabul to the eastern provinces.
Seven people died at the scene, while two others sustained injuries, according to police. The deceased and the injured were transported to Laghman’s provincial hospital for further procedures.
Police are investigating the incident. The investigation will examine the speed of the vehicle, the condition of the roadway, and the safety equipment carried by the motorcycle rider.
According to the police statement, the crash happened around 8 pm local time on Saturday. Observers reported that the vehicle was traveling above the speed limit established for this highway.
Investigators are checking for any mechanical failure in the vehicle that might have contributed to the collision. The motorcycle’s engine and brakes are being examined for potential defects.
The Mashli area is a known junction on the route connecting Kabul with the eastern provinces. Traffic volume on this road has increased in recent months, and officials have noted that accidents have risen accordingly.
Officials from the provincial police highlighted that this is part of a broader pattern of road safety concerns. They pointed to the lack of proper signage and insufficient lighting in certain sections.
During the investigation, authorities are also verifying eyewitness accounts. Several nearby residents have provided statements about the vehicle’s speed and the lack of braking before impact.
Medical staff at the provincial hospital reported that the injuries range from fractures to internal trauma. Two patients were admitted for surgical treatment, while the others received emergency care before being transferred to higher-level facilities.
The provincial hospital’s director confirmed that the emergency department was on high alert during the night of the crash. Staff were mobilized to treat the wounded promptly and to stabilize critically injured patients before transport.
Authorities plan to release further details once the investigation concludes. An inquiry into the license status and travel documents of the driver is underway.
The incident underscores the ongoing safety challenges along Afghanistan’s major highways. Local officials have called for increased policing, better road maintenance, and public awareness campaigns about speed limits and driver behavior.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss, and families of the deceased have expressed their condolences to the national police for the swift response.
Background information on Laghman Province shows that it has been a critical route for commerce and transit between Kabul and eastern provinces such as Nangarhar and Kunar.
Although the official update cites the accident as a result of speeding, it has not yet identified whether any external factors such as road conditions contributed to the collision.
The investigation will address these open questions while providing a comprehensive report on the causes and mitigating factors of the tragedy.