Two bikers were killed, and nearly three dozen people sustained injuries in a series of road accidents early Tuesday morning in western Uttar Pradesh. The accidents occurred as dense smog blanketed Noida and surrounding areas, severely reducing visibility.
The Agra-Lucknow Expressway saw multiple crashes involving a broken-down truck, with several car occupants injured. They were transported to Saifai Medical College, while one person was admitted to Shikohabad Hospital. One crash victim described the scene: “We couldn’t see anything. Our car hit another vehicle, and then three or four more cars crashed into ours.”
On the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, a truck collision triggered a chain reaction due to low visibility. A bus traveling from Panipat to Mathura collided with the stationary trucks, injuring around a dozen passengers, who were rushed to a nearby hospital. Authorities were called to manage the accident scene.
In Firozabad, near Agra, six vehicles collided after a pick-up truck broke down on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. Drivers, unable to spot the stalled vehicle due to the fog, collided, creating a pile-up of SUVs and other cars.
A speeding truck also rammed a bike on National Highway-34 in Bulandshahr, killing Mansharam, a Mainpuri resident. The truck driver has been detained. Additionally, in Badaun, a vehicle struck Santosh Singh’s bike while he was on his way to school, causing his death. Ten others were injured in similar incidents.
These accidents highlight the hazardous conditions in North India, where pollution levels are classified as ‘severe plus,’ exacerbating the air quality crisis. Residents in the National Capital Region (NCR) have reported respiratory issues such as sore throats, headaches, and difficulty breathing. Authorities have advised the public to stay indoors to limit exposure to toxic air.
With road safety compromised by the fog and pollution, local police and administrations are on high alert to manage the ongoing crisis and mitigate further harm.
