A severe multi-vehicle collision triggered by dense fog on the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district resulted in a tragic loss of life and multiple injuries early Tuesday morning. The pile-up involved several buses and cars, leading to a massive fire that gutted vehicles at the scene.
Chaos and Carnage on the Expressway
The accident occurred near Milestone 127 in the Baldev area when visibility dropped drastically due to intense fog. According to officials, the initial collision quickly escalated into a major pile-up involving at least seven buses and three cars. The impact was so severe that it sparked a huge fire, which rapidly engulfed several of the vehicles involved.
Mathura District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh confirmed the grim toll: four people lost their lives in the disaster, while 25 others sustained injuries. Rescue teams, including fire brigades and multiple ambulances, rushed to the spot to tackle the blaze and extricate victims. The aftermath was marked by thick, billowing smoke and the haunting sight of charred vehicles, with dramatic visuals of the devastation being widely shared by news agency ANI.
Rescue Efforts and Government Response
The rescue operation was complex due to the fire and the spread of wreckage across the highway. Emergency services worked tirelessly to pull survivors from the wreckage and provide immediate medical aid. Authorities have stated that the rescue operation is now in its final stages.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took immediate cognisance of the tragic incident. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, he announced financial compensation for the victims. The state government will provide ₹2 lakh to the families of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for each injured individual.
Fog Continues to Pose a Major Hazard
Authorities have pinpointed low visibility due to dense fog as the primary cause of this catastrophic accident. Several parts of Uttar Pradesh, including the region around the Yamuna Expressway, have been experiencing severe smog and fog conditions, significantly hampering road and air travel. This incident underscores the recurring danger that winter fog poses to commuters on India's high-speed expressways.
Such tragedies highlight the critical need for heightened caution during the winter months. Drivers are repeatedly advised to:
- Use fog lights and drive at low speeds when visibility is poor.
- Avoid sudden braking and maintain safe distance from other vehicles.
- Check weather and traffic advisories before embarking on long journeys.
The Yamuna Expressway pile-up serves as a somber reminder of the deadly consequences when adverse weather meets high-speed travel.
