Some vehicles, passengers trapped at Sabzak tunnel

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): At least 10 vehicles carrying passengers have been trapped in the snow at the Sabzak Tunnel on the Badghis-Herat Road in northwestern Badghis province, an official said on Saturday.

Badghis Public Works Director Mawlavi Abdul Rahman said the road had been blocked by heavy snowfall since Friday.

He said all available machinery had been dispatched to the area and a request for airlifting of the trapped passengers had been made as well.

But Badghis Deputy Governor Mohibullah said five vehicles had been stranded on the road.

Badghis Information Director MawlaviBaz Mohammad Sarwari said: “Three vehicles with 15 passengers have been trapped by a heavy snowstorm in the Sabzak Tunnel. Efforts are underway to reopen the road and rescue the stranded passengers.”

Hafeezullah, one of the drivers on Qala-i-Naw-Herat Road said: “I did not see anyone frozen to death but another driver says four passengers in a land cruiser were frozen to death.”

Mohammad Umar, another driver, said they contacted officials and sought their support, but nobody extended them support.

He said passengers were in difficult condition, the weather was very cold, officials had pledged to send rescue teams but they did not reach there as yet.

Sabzak tunnel often gets closed for traffic due to heavy snowfall in the winter season.

nh/ma