Bus Collision Victims Burnt Beyond Recognition Over 70 Dead

Two buses and an oil tanker collided and burst into flames in one of Afghanistan's worst-ever road traffic accidents more than 70 people have been killed.

The dead included women and children and many of the victims were burned beyond recognition in the head-on crash near the capital Kabul.

Dozens of other people were badly injured on the highway that links the two largest cities in the conflict-hit country.

The vehicles were completely gutted and clouds of smoke covered the scene in the eastern Ghazni province.

A ministry spokesman Ismail Kawoosi said: "The death toll has soared to 73. Most of them are completely burned."

He also warned the number of dead was expected to rise further.

The area is one of the worst affected by the Taliban insurgency.

Insecurity is growing around Afghanistan as the militants continue with their 15-year insurgency against the Western-backed Kabul government.

Afghanistan also has some of the world's most dangerous roads, often in dilapidated condition and traffic rules are rarely enforced.

Last November, the World Bank agreed to a $250m (£173m) grant to upgrade roads crossing the Hindu Kush mountain which are crucial trade links often closed by snow during the winter months.