Road accident in Afghanistan kills 11

KABUL: An Afghan official says at least 11 people have been killed in a road accident just outside the western city of Herat.

Rauf Ahmadi, spokesman for the provincial police chief, said Saturday that three vehicles were involved in the fatal crash, which wounded another seven people. He says the crash was the result of carelessness, and that women and children were among those killed and wounded.

The crash took place Friday amid celebrations of the Persian new year, which began March 21 and is followed by 13 days of festivities, including family visits and picnics.

Traffic accidents are common across Afghanistan, where roads are poorly maintained and drivers routinely ignore traffic regulations.