A tragic traffic accident in Baghlan has claimed the lives of 17 people and left 39 others injured.

According to local officials, the incident occurred early the morning (Tuesday) in Khwaja, Northern Salang. Among the victims are women and children.

Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition and have been transferred to the provincial hospital in Pul-e-Khumri for urgent treatment.

Saddam Hussain Arab, head of Baghlan Provincial Hospital, said: "We have received 39 injured and 17 dead from the accident site. Of the 39 injured, 10 are in critical condition and are under intensive care by medical personnel."

Gul Rahman, a resident of Nangarhar, lost his wife and one child in the accident, and he, along with his two other children, was also injured.

Some of the injured said that the 580 model passenger bus was traveling from Kabul to Faryab and veered off the road due to negligence and technical issues.

Gul Rahman, an injured passenger, said: "The driver told us that the bus's brakes were faulty. We got off the bus, performed morning prayers, and had breakfast. When we resumed our journey, we were put back on the same faulty bus, and it lost control while moving."

Maroof, a relative of one of the victims, said: "Why don't people stand up against such drivers? Drivers speed recklessly at night."

Ezatullah, another injured passenger, said: "When the brakes failed, I suggested the driver steer the bus towards the mountain to avoid any mishap. However, the driver headed towards the road, and eventually, the bus overturned."

Meanwhile, in three separate traffic incidents in Kandahar and Parwan, five people have died and 12 others have been injured.

Officials cite poor road conditions, lack of traffic signs, driver negligence, and failure to follow traffic regulations as the main causes of these accidents.