Noida/Agra: Dense smog caused by severe air pollution has led to tragic accidents in parts of western Uttar Pradesh, leaving two bikers dead and dozens injured. The toxic air and low visibility triggered a series of pile-ups on major highways early this morning, bringing traffic to a standstill and exposing the dangers of hazardous air quality.
In Noida, a truck collided with another vehicle on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway due to near-zero visibility. Moments later, a Panipat-to-Mathura bus failed to spot the trucks and crashed into them, injuring around 12 passengers. Police arrived promptly to clear the site and assist the injured, who were rushed to nearby hospitals.
In Firozabad near Agra, six vehicles were involved in a massive pile-up on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. The accident occurred when a pick-up truck broke down, and following vehicles were unable to see it in time due to the smog. Several people were critically injured and are being treated at Saifai Medical College. Eyewitnesses described the chaos, saying, "We couldn’t see anything, and cars kept crashing one after the other."
At Bulandshahr, a speeding truck rammed into a bike on National Highway-34, killing Mansharam, a resident of Mainpuri. In another tragic incident near Badaun, teacher Santosh Singh died after an unidentified vehicle hit his bike. Ten others were injured in similar crashes across the region.
The accidents highlight the ongoing health crisis caused by toxic air pollution in North India. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the 'severe+' category, residents in cities like Delhi and Noida are struggling with sore throats, headaches, and breathing problems. Authorities have urged people to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Efforts to clear the accident sites are underway, but the smog continues to pose significant risks to commuters and public health.