A horrific multi-vehicle collision on the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district has resulted in a tragic loss of life and numerous injuries. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, involved a long chain of 18 to 19 vehicles and was exacerbated by dense fog and a subsequent fire.
Chronology of a Catastrophe
The disaster unfolded around 3:40 am near milestone 127 under the jurisdiction of the Baldeo police station. According to initial reports, a car and a bus collided first. With visibility reduced to near zero due to intense fog, this initial crash triggered a catastrophic chain reaction. Vehicles travelling from the Agra side towards Noida began piling up one after another, unable to see the obstruction ahead.
The situation turned even more deadly when a loud explosion rocked the site. Eyewitness accounts suggest that a CNG tank on a private bus likely burst, creating a massive fireball that swiftly engulfed multiple vehicles in the tangled wreckage. The intensity of the blaze made rescue operations extremely challenging.
Victims and Immediate Aftermath
The human cost of the accident is severe. Thirteen individuals were charred to death, with the bodies of most victims burnt beyond recognition. As of now, only three of the deceased have been formally identified. They are:
- Akhilendra Pratap Yadav (44) from Prayagraj.
- Rampal (75) from Maharajganj.
- Sultan Ahmed (62) from Gonda district, identified later by the Vrindavan chief medical officer.
District Magistrate C P Singh stated that DNA sampling is being conducted to identify the remaining victims. Meanwhile, over 100 injured people have been admitted to multiple medical facilities for treatment. These include the Joint Hospital in Vrindavan, the Mathura district hospital, and the SN Medical College in Agra.
Official Response and Investigation
Authorities have swiftly moved to investigate the causes of this major tragedy. A committee has been formed to probe the incident and is mandated to submit its report within 48 hours. The committee includes senior officials such as the ADM (City), SP (Rural), PWD engineers, an RTO official, and representatives from JP Infratech (the expressway's developer and operator) and the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA).
Senior officials, including Agra Divisional Commissioner Shailendra Singh, have assured a thorough investigation to determine the causes and suggest preventive measures for the future. The state and central governments have announced financial aid for the affected families. The Uttar Pradesh government will provide ₹2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Additionally, an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) will be given to the next of kin of each deceased, and ₹50,000 to the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have expressed their deep condolences to the families grieving the loss of their loved ones.
This developing story highlights the critical dangers of driving in low-visibility conditions and underscores the need for stringent safety protocols on high-speed expressways.
