Dozens killed in two passenger bus crashes in Afghanistan

Al Jazeera - Dec 19th, 2024
Open on Al Jazeera

At least 50 people were killed and dozens injured in two separate bus crashes on the same highway in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, between Kabul and Kandahar. The first accident involved a collision between a passenger bus and a fuel tanker near Shahbaz village, while the second incident occurred when a bus hit a truck in the Andar district. The Taliban government officials expressed sadness over the tragedies and called for investigations. The injured were taken to hospitals in Ghazni and Kabul, with women and children among the casualties. These incidents highlight the frequent occurrence of traffic accidents in Afghanistan due to poor road conditions and inadequate regulation.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.4
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides detailed information about two tragic bus accidents in Afghanistan, focusing on the events, the victims, and official reactions. While it presents a comprehensive overview, there are some areas that could be improved, particularly concerning source attribution and potential bias.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article reports on the accidents with specific details about location and casualties, supported by statements from officials. However, there are minor inconsistencies in casualty figures reported by different sources.

7
Balance

The article largely focuses on official statements, especially from Taliban representatives. It could benefit from additional perspectives, such as those from victims' families or independent experts, to provide a more balanced view.

9
Clarity

The article is clear, well-structured, and free of emotive language. The events are described logically, making it easy for readers to understand the sequence and impact of the accidents.

6
Source quality

The article relies heavily on statements from Taliban officials and local government spokespeople. While these are relevant, the inclusion of independent verification or reports from reputable international news agencies would enhance source credibility.

7
Transparency

The article provides clear information about the incidents but lacks disclosure about potential conflicts of interest or affiliations of the sources. It would benefit from greater transparency about the origins of the statements used.