Balkh: 124 accidents cause 300 casualties in 10 months

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): About 124 traffic accidents caused 300 casualties in northern Balkh province during the past 10 months, an official said on Tuesday.

Head of Traffic Department Abdul Qayoom Mubariz told Pajhwok Afghan News 123 individuals lost their lives and 177 others were injured as a result of 124 traffic accidents in different areas of the province in 1403 solar year.

Head of Highway Maintenance and Security Battalion Gulab Agha explained that they had established 15 checkpoints on highways to control vehicles’ speed, which has reduced the number of accidents in the past month.

“Earlier, two or three accidents would occur every day, but in the past one month, traffic accidents have decreased. We have established checkpoints on Mazar-Shiberghan and Mazar-Hairatan highways that we have had three accidents, which is several times less than before last month,”: he added.

He assured the public of complete safety on highways and urged drivers to follow traffic rules to further reduce the number of accidents.

On the other hand, checkpoint police said in addition to controlling vehicles’ speeds, they are also advising drivers to exercise extreme caution while traveling.

“We stand day and night for safety of people and ask drivers about their problems along roads, they are happy and say they have no problems”: Khiyal Zaman, a police officer said.

Drivers on the Mazar-Shiberghan highway welcome this move by the Balkh Police Headquarters and consider it important for preventing traffic accidents and increasing passengers’ safety.

Mohammad Rasool, a driver said: “I came to Mazar-e-Sharif from Jawzjan. There are two or three checkpoints and they treat people well and give them instructions. We are very happy with this move by the IEA because it is very important in preventing incidents”.

Last week, seven people, including women and children, were killed and injured in a collision between two vehicles in Camp-i-Sakhi area on the Mazar-Hairatan highway.

hz/ma