Kabul: At least three people were killed and four others injured in two separate road accidents in Afghanistan’s Khost and Balkh provinces on Sunday, authorities said.

The incidents are the latest in a series of fatal road crashes in the country, where poor road conditions, speeding and vehicle malfunctions continue to contribute to a high number of traffic fatalities.

Two killed after passenger vehicle collides with truck in Khost

According to provincial police, a passenger vehicle collided with a truck on the Khost-Gardez Highway in Mandozai district of Khost province early Sunday.

The collision claimed the lives of two people, while three others sustained injuries. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, officials said.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Second crash in Balkh leaves one dead

In a separate incident in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, two passenger vehicles collided, killing one person and injuring another.

Police said emergency responders reached the spot soon after the crash, and the injured person was taken to a medical facility for treatment.

Authorities urge caution as road accidents continue

Following the accidents, Afghan authorities appealed to motorists to follow traffic regulations, avoid speeding and ensure vehicles are roadworthy to reduce the number of fatal crashes.

Road accidents remain a major concern in Afghanistan due to damaged highways, inadequate infrastructure, reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance.

Earlier this month, a passenger bus travelling from Herat to Kabul overturned in Zabul province, killing one person and injuring 28 others after reportedly suffering a technical malfunction.

In another incident in June, five people were killed and seven injured after a passenger vehicle overturned in Parwan province, with officials attributing the crash to suspected mechanical failure.

Authorities continue to stress the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and adherence to traffic safety measures to prevent such tragedies.