AGRA, India — Thirteen people have died following a devastating series of collisions involving multiple vehicles on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura, according to local officials. The tragedy, which unfolded early Tuesday morning, involved seven buses and three cars, with some vehicles catching fire and leaving many victims severely burned.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the deceased, some of whom have been confirmed from various regions including Prayagraj, Gonda, and Azamgarh. A total of 60 individuals have been reported injured and are currently receiving treatment for burn injuries and other trauma at various hospitals in the area.
In response to the calamity, the District Magistrate of Mathura, Chandra Prakash Singh, has initiated a magisterial inquiry to investigate the accident. The Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) has been assigned to compile a report detailing the causes and analyze preventive measures for the future.
Officials from both the state and central governments have reacted swiftly to the incident. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and pledged an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the bereaved families and ₹50,000 for the injured through the PM National Relief Fund.
A police investigation is underway, with authorities examining CCTV footage and vehicle records to ascertain the accident’s cause. The crash, which occurred around 4:30 a.m. on the Agra-Noida stretch near Milestone 127, is believed to have been exacerbated by heavy fog and low visibility conditions.
Mathura police reported that the initial collisions involved three cars before seven buses, including both roadways and sleeper buses, became embroiled in the chaos. Following the collision, flames erupted, leading to a significant emergency response that included 11 fire tenders to extinguish the blaze.
Preliminary reports indicate that while rescue operations are nearing completion, the majority of the injured have been stabilized and do not face life-threatening conditions. Traffic on the expressway was diverted as authorities cleared debris from the scene.
As the investigation continues, the accident has sparked a broader discussion about road safety on high-speed expressways in India, highlighting the urgent need for improved traffic regulations and monitoring. The sequence of tragic accidents across various expressways in the National Capital Region due to dense fog underlines the persistent dangers that such weather poses for motorists.
Recently, several incidents attributed to fog have resulted in fatalities in the region, prompting traffic police to urge drivers to exercise caution. They recommend maintaining a safe speed and avoiding sudden stops on expressways during foggy conditions to avert further tragedies.