A devastating road accident on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura district has claimed 13 lives and left more than two dozen people injured, after multiple vehicles collided in extremely poor visibility caused by dense fog. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2025, sending shockwaves across Uttar Pradesh and prompting swift action from the state administration.

What Happened on the Yamuna Expressway

According to officials, the accident took place near Milestone 125, close to Khadehra village in the Baldev police station area of Mathura. Several vehicles, including seven buses and two cars, were travelling from Agra towards Noida when thick fog reduced visibility to almost zero. Due to the low visibility and high speed, drivers were unable to spot vehicles ahead, leading to a chain collision.

The impact was so severe that multiple vehicles caught fire immediately after the crash. Flames engulfed buses and cars within minutes, creating scenes of panic and chaos on the expressway.

Fire, Panic, and Rescue Efforts

As the fire spread rapidly, passengers trapped inside the buses began screaming for help. Some managed to save their lives by jumping out through windows, while others remained trapped inside burning vehicles. Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes, with people desperately trying to escape as thick smoke and flames filled the buses.

Around a dozen fire tenders rushed to the spot and worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control. Emergency services, including police teams and medical staff, were deployed immediately. Traffic on the Agra–Noida lane of the Yamuna Expressway was completely halted, and vehicles were later removed using cranes to restore movement.

Casualties and Injuries

Mathura District Magistrate C.P. Singh confirmed that 13 passengers were burnt to death in the accident. More than 25 injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals using over 20 ambulances. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar stated that relief and rescue operations were carried out swiftly to prevent further casualties. Authorities continue to monitor the condition of the injured.

Identification of Deceased Victims

So far, three deceased individuals have been identified:

• Akhilendra Pratap Yadav, son of Vanshidhar, resident of Muddinpur, Prayagraj

• Rampal, son of Pahodiram, resident of Azamgarh

• Sultan, resident of Gonda

Officials revealed that Akhilendra Pratap Yadav was working as a private secretary to Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, adding a political dimension to the tragic incident.

The District Magistrate informed that the investigation into the accident has been handed over to the Additional District Magistrate (Administration).

Chief Minister Takes Cognisance

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took immediate cognisance of the heart-wrenching incident. He expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.

The Chief Minister also announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. Instructions were issued to conduct relief work with utmost sensitivity and urgency.

Dense Fog Emerges as Key Cause

Preliminary findings indicate that dense fog and near-zero visibility were the primary reasons behind the collision. Drivers reportedly could not see vehicles ahead, leading to sudden braking and high-impact crashes. Authorities have once again urged motorists to exercise extreme caution while travelling during winter fog conditions, especially on high-speed expressways.

A Grim Reminder for Road Safety

The Mathura Yamuna Expressway accident stands as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by fog, overspeeding, and reduced visibility. As winter intensifies, officials are expected to increase safety advisories and monitoring on major highways to prevent similar tragedies.

Meanwhile, rescue teams, local administration, and medical staff continue to work around the clock to assist victims and their families, as the state mourns yet another major road disaster.