13 killed after buses and cars collide, catch fire due to dense fog on Delhi-Agra Expressway
PTC News Desk: The death toll in fatal multi-vehicle accident caused by dense fog on the Delhi–Agra Expressway in Uttar Pradesh has risen to thirteen after nine more people succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
The crash involved eight buses and three cars that collided in quick succession and caught fire.
According to Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar, the incident took place on the Agra–Noida stretch of the Yamuna Expressway. Thick fog severely reduced visibility, leaving drivers little time to react as vehicles slammed into one another. The collisions triggered a major fire that rapidly spread, engulfing the buses and cars.
The force of the impact caused the vehicles to burst into flames almost immediately, trapping passengers and creating chaos at the scene. Witnesses reported hearing cries for help as the fire spread swiftly from one vehicle to another.
Emergency services, including fire brigades, police and ambulances, reached the spot soon after the accident. Firefighters worked to control the blaze while rescue teams evacuated survivors and rushed the injured to hospitals. Around 25 people were admitted to medical facilities in Mathura and nearby districts, with several reported to be in critical condition.
Traffic on the expressway was disrupted for several hours as authorities cleared the wreckage. Officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the crash amid poor visibility.
The accident occurred as large parts of Uttar Pradesh experienced dense fog and smog, sharply reducing visibility on Monday morning. Agra remained covered in thick fog, obscuring the Taj Mahal for hours, while similar conditions were reported in Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mainpuri and Moradabad.
Air quality across the state also deteriorated, with the Central Pollution Control Board reporting poor AQI levels in Agra and severe conditions in Noida. Delhi, too, recorded severe air pollution, with heavy smog further limiting visibility.
Authorities are continuing to assess the situation, and more information is expected.
- With inputs from agencies
