Smog-induced chaos: Two dead, dozens injured in multiple accidents across Noida and western UP

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu)On the morning of November 19, 2024, dense smog in Noida and surrounding areas of western Uttar Pradesh led to a series of accidents, resulting in the deaths of two bikers and leaving nearly three dozen others injured. The hazardous air quality, which severely reduced visibility, contributed to multiple vehicle collisions throughout the region. The most serious incidents occurred on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway and the Agra-Lucknow Expressway.

On the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, a truck collided with another vehicle due to poor visibility, triggering a chain reaction. A bus traveling from Panipat to Mathura failed to notice the wreckage and crashed into the stationary trucks, injuring around twelve passengers, who were immediately taken to nearby hospitals. On the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, six vehicles were involved in a pile-up after a pick-up truck broke down near Nasirpur. The thick fog caused drivers to miss the stalled vehicle, leading to additional crashes involving SUVs and other cars. Several injured individuals were transferred to Saifai Medical College for treatment. In Bulandshahr, a speeding truck rear-ended a motorcycle, killing the rider, identified as Mansharam from Mainpuri.

The truck driver has been detained by police. Another fatal accident occurred in Badaun when an unidentified vehicle struck the motorcycle of Santosh Singh, a teacher on his way to school.These accidents underscore the severe dangers posed by persistent pollution and smog in North India, where air quality has reached hazardous levels classified as 'severe plus.' Local authorities are urging residents to remain cautious on the roads due to dangerously low visibility and advising people to stay indoors to limit exposure to the toxic air.