KABUL, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Four children have lost their lives after being struck by a privately owned Toyota Corolla in eastern Afghanistan's Panjshir province on Friday, local authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The mishap on the outskirts of Khenj district was attributed to the driver's speeding, negligence, and reckless driving, according to a statement released by the provincial government's office.

The victims were immediately transported to a nearby medical facility, but all four succumbed to their injuries either en route or shortly after arrival, said the statement.

The driver has been taken into custody.