Four people were killed and 32 others sustained injuries when a passenger bus collided with a container truck on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura early Wednesday morning, according to police officials.
Accident Details
Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar said the accident occurred around 4 am when the bus was traveling from Lucknow to Delhi. The bus, carrying approximately 50 passengers, crashed into a stationary container truck near the Mathura toll plaza. The impact was severe, causing the bus's front section to be badly mangled.
Emergency services, including police and ambulances, reached the scene within minutes. Rescue operations were launched to extricate passengers trapped inside the wreckage. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals in Mathura and Agra for treatment. Authorities reported that at least four passengers died on the spot, while 32 others were admitted with injuries ranging from fractures to head trauma.
Investigation Underway
Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest that the bus driver may have lost control due to overspeeding or a mechanical failure. The container truck was reportedly parked on the expressway without proper warning signs, which could have contributed to the crash. The driver of the truck is being questioned, and the bus driver is among the injured.
Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar stated, "We are examining all angles, including driver fatigue and road conditions. The expressway has a history of accidents due to high speeds and inadequate signage." He urged commuters to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits.
Impact and Response
The Yamuna Expressway, a six-lane toll road connecting Greater Noida with Agra, has witnessed several fatal accidents in recent years. This incident has reignited concerns over road safety measures on the expressway. Local authorities have announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured.
The injured passengers are being treated at Mathura District Hospital and a private facility in Agra. Officials said that most are out of danger, though a few remain in critical condition. The bus operator has been asked to cooperate with the investigation.
This accident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and better infrastructure on expressways. Police have advised motorists to avoid driving during early morning hours when visibility is low and driver fatigue is common.
