Yamuna Expressway Accident: Swift Government Response After Tragic Yamuna Expressway Accident in Mathura
Yamuna Expressway Accident: A devastating multi-vehicle accident on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura district claimed 13 lives and left dozens injured, prompting an immediate and coordinated response from both the Uttar Pradesh government and the central leadership. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, involved several buses and smaller vehicles and resulted in a massive fire that caused extensive damage and loss of life. Authorities described it as one of the most serious road accidents in the region in recent times.
Chief Minister Takes Immediate Cognisance
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took swift cognisance of the tragic incident and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of full support from the state government. Acting promptly, the Chief Minister directed officials to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to every injured person. He also instructed that all injured victims receive immediate, appropriate, and free medical treatment at government facilities.
The Chief Minister further emphasised the importance of quick relief and rescue operations. He asked senior officials to closely monitor the medical treatment of the injured and ensure that there were no lapses in care or support. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, all departments were directed to work in coordination to manage the aftermath of the accident effectively.
Prime Minister Expresses Grief and Announces Ex-Gratia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of lives in the accident. In a message shared through the official communication channels of the Prime Minister’s Office, he said that the incident was extremely painful and that his thoughts were with the families who had lost their loved ones. He prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
The Prime Minister announced ex-gratia assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Under this, the next of kin of each deceased victim will receive Rs 2 lakh, while injured individuals will be provided Rs 50,000 as financial support. This announcement added to the relief measures already declared by the state government.
Details of the Accident and Rescue Efforts
According to the district administration, the accident took place around 4:30 am when multiple vehicles collided on the Yamuna Expressway. The collision led to a massive fire, engulfing several buses and smaller vehicles. Senior Superintendent of Police of Mathura, Shlok Kumar, stated that at least eight buses and three smaller vehicles were involved in the collision, which resulted in severe damage due to the fire.
Rescue teams rushed to the spot immediately after the accident was reported. Several bodies were recovered from the site and sent to the mortuary for post-mortem examinations. Many injured passengers were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.
Identification of Victims and Legal Procedures
SSP Shlok Kumar informed that 13 deaths had been confirmed so far. Of these, three bodies had been identified, while the remaining were either charred or partially burnt, making identification difficult. He said that DNA testing would be carried out to establish the identities of the unidentified victims. Police teams are in touch with the families of the identified deceased, and the bodies will be handed over after completing all legal formalities.
He also confirmed that all standard procedures, including panchnama and post-mortem, were being conducted as per protocol. An FIR is being registered to investigate the circumstances that led to the accident.
Administrative Response and Preventive Measures
District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh termed the incident extremely unfortunate and shared further details. He said that around 70 people were injured in the accident and were taken to various hospitals. Most of them are out of danger, while two critically injured individuals were referred to Agra Medical College for advanced treatment.
The District Magistrate confirmed that a magisterial inquiry had been ordered to investigate all aspects of the incident. An Additional District Magistrate has been appointed to conduct the inquiry and recommend measures to prevent similar accidents in the future, especially since this stretch of the Yamuna Expressway is considered accident-prone.
He also highlighted preventive steps, including strict monitoring of vehicle speeds, curbing reckless driving, and regulating traffic movement during adverse weather conditions. Authorities have been instructed to enforce safety norms rigorously until conditions improve.