A powerful dust storm accompanied by heavy rain swept through Agra and adjoining districts on Friday night, resulting in at least three deaths and multiple injuries. The storm uprooted trees, damaged homes, and disrupted power supply across the region. Officials reported that restoration teams worked through the night, while the administration advised residents to avoid seeking shelter near weak structures and large trees during adverse weather.
Incidents in Agra
In Agra, an unidentified rickshaw puller died after a massive tree crashed onto a boundary wall near Namner crossing under Rakabganj police station limits, causing the structure to collapse. Police stated that the rickshaw puller and another man had taken shelter near the wall to escape the storm when it gave way, trapping both under debris. “Residents and police pulled them out and rushed them to hospital, where doctors declared the rickshaw puller dead on arrival,” said Rakabganj SHO Yogesh Kumar. The injured man, identified as Aziz alias Mirza of Malpura area, is undergoing treatment.
In another incident in Agra’s Idhaun village under Fatehabad area, a neem tree fell on a house during the storm, injuring five members of a family. “Neeraj, Rajkumari, Kajal, Usha Devi and Arjun were trapped under debris. Villagers and police personnel rescued them and shifted them to Fatehabad community health centre,” an official said.
Incidents in Mathura
In Mathura, two people died as strong winds and rain hit the district. In Gausna village under Jamuna Par police station limits, Om Prakash, a 55-year-old labourer, was killed after a tin shed blown off a neighbouring house struck him while he was sleeping on the roof of his home. “He died on the spot,” a police official said. In another incident, a 17-year-old girl died under Maant police station limits.
Infrastructure Damage
The storm uprooted several trees, damaged property, and hit power infrastructure across the region, leaving many areas without electricity for hours. “Teams are assessing losses and restoring supply in affected areas,” an official said, adding that reports from several pockets were still being compiled.
