Already haunted by tragedy, an Afghan emigre widow was struck by a runaway vehicle in Calgary, leaving her with a severely fractured hip and her young son injured. Aysha Amiri and her family fled Afghanistan to escape the Taliban, hoping for a safe life in Canada. However, a series of misfortunes has shattered those dreams.
Husband's Fatal Crash
Her husband, Faisal Amiri, 33, was killed in a head-on collision on March 9, 2025, near Calgary. The crash also severely injured his two brothers. Faisal worked as a baker at the Canadian embassy in Afghanistan for eight years, preparing food alongside his cousin Javed Amiri.
Monday's Accident
On Monday, while waiting outside a pharmacy with her three young children in strollers, a driver accidentally accelerated, pinning Amiri against a concrete wall. Her hip was severely fractured, and her two-year-old son’s hand was injured. A daughter born after her husband’s death and a four-year-old son escaped serious injury.
Police Investigation
Calgary police say the driver remained at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. No charges have been announced. Family and friends are stunned by the continued ill-fortune.
“They came from Afghanistan to Canada for safety but it’s been very bad luck,” said Javed Amiri. “But it’s life, it happens — what do you do?”
Family's Struggle
After the Taliban conquered Afghanistan in 2021, the family emigrated to Canada, fearing for their lives due to their Canadian connections. Faisal was physically assaulted by a Taliban soldier while crossing into Pakistan. He loved his life in Canada, which ended tragically last year.
The two brothers still struggle with injuries from the crash, and the widow faced financial hardship despite family support. She was on an affordable housing waiting list after losing her husband, the breadwinner.
Recovery and Support
Javed and his wife are caring for Aysha’s three children while she recovers at Foothills Medical Centre. Initially feared she might not walk again, but on Friday she left the hospital with a walker, showing improvement. “Inshallah (God willing) she’ll walk again,” said Javed, noting their Eid celebration was interrupted by the incident. “It’s okay – Eid will come next year.”
Friend Samay Omar said, “Her husband is gone and after a year, this happens. Everybody feels really bad for them.” The youngest child misses her mother intensely. Relatives are considering a fundraising campaign to support the family.
