NATIONAL: Fog Horror: Yamuna Expressway Kills Four
A heartbreaking multi-vehicle crash unfolded in the pre-dawn darkness on Uttar Pradesh’s Yamuna Expressway, claiming four lives and leaving dozens injured.
Dense winter fog turned the busy highway into a danger zone, triggering a chain reaction that engulfed buses in flames. This incident highlights the perils of low visibility during peak travel hours.
What Happened on the Highway
The pile-up struck around 2 AM on December 16, near Milestone 127 in Mathura district, on the Agra-to-Noida lane.
Seven buses and three cars slammed into each other because drivers could barely see ahead in the thick fog.
The intense impacts sparked fires that quickly spread through several vehicles, trapping passengers inside.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene, with fire brigades battling the blaze for hours before bringing it under control.
Ambulances transported the wounded to nearby hospitals, where doctors reported many in critical condition.
Casualties and Immediate Response
Police confirmed four deaths at the spot, with over 25 people suffering injuries from burns, crashes, or smoke.
Survivors described chaotic scenes of screams and frantic escapes as flames rose high.
Authorities cleared charred wreckage to reopen the expressway, but traffic remained snarled for much of the morning.
An investigation is underway, focusing on fog as the primary cause, though speeding in poor conditions may also factor in.
- Seven buses involved, including sleeper coaches and one roadways vehicle.
- Three cars triggered the initial collision before buses piled on.
- Fires erupted across multiple vehicles, complicating rescues.
Broader Concerns Amid Winter Fog
This tragedy comes just days after speed limits were lowered on the Yamuna Expressway to 75 kmph for light vehicles and 60 kmph for heavy ones, starting December 15.
Similar fog-related crashes hit nearby routes recently, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement and awareness.
Families await updates on loved ones, while officials urge caution: slow down, use fog lights, and maintain distance in hazy weather.
Questions linger on whether more preventive steps, like real-time alerts, could avert such losses.