13 Burnt to Death in Multi-Car Pile-Up on Delhi–Agra Expressway Amid Dense Fog
At least 13 people were burnt to death in a horrific multi-vehicle collision on the Delhi–Agra Expressway after dense fog severely reduced visibility, leading to a chain-reaction crash involving several vehicles. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, sending shockwaves across the region and once again raising concerns over road safety during winter fog conditions.
According to preliminary reports, the accident involved multiple cars, trucks, and other vehicles that collided at high speed due to near-zero visibility. Following the initial impact, one of the vehicles caught fire, which quickly spread to others trapped in the pile-up, leaving many passengers with little chance to escape.
Fog Blamed for Reduced Visibility
Eyewitnesses and first responders said dense fog covered the expressway at the time of the accident, reducing visibility to a few metres. Drivers reportedly failed to notice stationary or slow-moving vehicles ahead, resulting in repeated rear-end collisions.
Police officials said the fog was so thick that several vehicles rammed into the wreckage even after the initial crash, worsening the scale of destruction. Skid marks and debris scattered across a long stretch of the expressway indicated the severity of the pile-up.
Vehicles Engulfed in Flames
After the collision, at least one vehicle burst into flames, reportedly due to fuel leakage. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing nearby vehicles. Several occupants were trapped inside as flames and smoke made rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Fire tenders rushed to the spot, but by the time the blaze was brought under control, 13 people had been burnt beyond recognition. Multiple others sustained serious injuries, including burns and fractures, and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Rescue and Emergency Response
Emergency services, including police, fire brigades, ambulances, and highway authorities, were deployed immediately. Rescue operations continued for several hours as responders worked to clear the wreckage and prevent further accidents.
Traffic on the Delhi–Agra Expressway was halted for hours, leading to long queues of stranded vehicles. Authorities diverted traffic to alternative routes until the affected stretch was cleared and deemed safe for movement.
Victims Yet to Be Identified
Officials said the process of identifying the deceased is underway, with forensic teams assisting in post-mortem examinations. Many of the victims were charred beyond recognition, complicating identification efforts. Police are coordinating with hospitals and families who may be searching for missing relatives.
Injured passengers are receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities, and doctors said some remain in critical condition.
Safety Concerns and Official Response
Senior officials described the incident as one of the deadliest fog-related accidents on the expressway in recent years. Authorities reiterated advisories urging motorists to drive at reduced speeds, maintain safe distances, and avoid travel during heavy fog conditions whenever possible.
Road safety experts pointed out that despite repeated warnings, overspeeding and failure to use fog lights remain major contributors to such accidents. They stressed the need for stricter enforcement of speed limits and better awareness among drivers.
Government Orders Probe
The administration has ordered a detailed investigation into the incident to determine whether negligence, overspeeding, or failure to follow safety protocols played a role. Officials are also examining whether warning systems and signage were adequate at the time of the crash.
Condolences were expressed to the families of the victims, and authorities assured that all possible assistance would be provided to those affected.
Conclusion
The deadly multi-car pile-up on the Delhi–Agra Expressway stands as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by winter fog and reckless driving. As investigations continue, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for greater caution, improved infrastructure, and strict adherence to safety norms to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
