What began as an ordinary winter morning on the Delhi–Agra (Yamuna) Expressway quickly turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. 13 people lost their lives, and 25 were injured in a massive multi-vehicle crash in Mathura on Tuesday morning due to nearly complete invisibility because of the dense fog. The accident took place near milestone 127, a busy stretch of the expressway used daily by hundreds of buses and cars travelling between Delhi, Agra and nearby cities.
Fog-Induced Crash Kills 13 On Delhi–Agra Expressway
According to Money Control reports, the thick fog made it extremely difficult for drivers to see what lay ahead. In these conditions, 10 vehicles (seven buses and three cars) collided one after another, leading to a huge pile-up. Moments after the crash, the situation worsened. Passengers were trapped inside several burning vehicles. The highway became a chaotic scene as smoke and flames rapidly spread.
Police, fire brigades, ambulances and local authorities rushed to the spot as soon as they were alerted, Money Control reported. Initially, officials confirmed four deaths, but as rescue operations continued and more victims were found, the death toll rose to 13. At least 25 injured people were rushed to nearby hospitals.
According to ANI via Money Control, SSP Mathura Shlok Kumar shared that poor visibility was the cause of the accident. Rescue operations are nearly complete, and the injured are receiving medical attention.
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PM Announces Compensation For Victims
The tragedy comes at a time when dense fog and smog have blanketed several cities across Uttar Pradesh. On Monday and Tuesday mornings, visibility on roads dropped sharply, making early morning travel especially dangerous, according to Money Control. Authorities have repeatedly warned drivers to slow down, use fog lights and avoid unnecessary travel during early hours, particularly on high-speed expressways like the Yamuna Expressway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). As per the announcement, ₹2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of each deceased, and ₹50,000 will be provided to each injured person.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed grief over the accident. Calling it “extremely tragic and heart-rending,” he extended his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. The Chief Minister said he has instructed district officials to ensure proper and timely treatment for all injured passengers.
The Delhi–Agra Expressway crash is a grim reminder of how dangerous winter travel can be.
Cover Image Courtesy: Saumil Chaudhary/X