Yogi Adityanath Orders Heightened Safety Measures on Expressways Amid
Lucknow: In view of the increasing number of road accidents triggered by dense fog and severe cold conditions, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert across the state.
He made it clear that any negligence in ensuring public safety, traffic management, and the protection of the homeless would not be tolerated at any level.
The Chief Minister has ordered intensified patrolling on expressways, strict enforcement against overspeeding, and continuous fog-related warnings to motorists through loudspeakers at toll plazas.
He emphasized that drivers must be repeatedly cautioned about low visibility conditions to prevent further mishaps.
Extra Vigilance Against Fog-Related Risks
During a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister issued clear instructions to divisional commissioners, inspectors general, district magistrates, police officials, traffic authorities, and municipal bodies to ensure foolproof safety arrangements—from city roads and narrow lanes to highways and expressways.
He directed that patrolling on expressways and highways be stepped up, black spots be identified and closely monitored, special teams be deployed, and cranes and ambulances be kept available round-the-clock (24×7).
Toll plazas have been instructed to continuously broadcast fog warnings to drivers through public address systems.
Emergency Services Must Be Fully Operational
Stressing the dangers posed by poor visibility during foggy conditions, the Chief Minister warned that strict action would be taken against overspeeding.
He noted that fog significantly increases the risk of accidents and therefore ordered immediate strengthening of road lighting, reflectors, patrolling, and emergency response services.
Dark spots must be identified without delay and corrective measures implemented immediately. Coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and state highway authorities has been mandated to ensure seamless arrangements.
No One Should Sleep in the Open
Keeping the cold wave and harsh winter conditions in mind, the Chief Minister also instructed that no individual should be found sleeping in the open.
Persons in need of shelter must be relocated to night shelters (rain baseras), where adequate arrangements for heaters, bonfires, and blankets should be provided.
Similar instructions were issued for cowsheds, directing officials to make proper arrangements—such as bonfires and other protective measures—to safeguard cattle from the cold.
Yamuna Expressway Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 18
Meanwhile, the death toll in the horrific Yamuna Expressway accident has risen to 18. On Tuesday, the administration confirmed 13 fatalities.
However, following post-mortem examinations conducted on Wednesday, it was officially confirmed that 18 people lost their lives in the incident.
So far, only three bodies have been identified, while the remaining 15 will be identified through DNA testing.
As of now, 11 family members have provided samples for DNA analysis.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday on the Agra–Mathura stretch of the Yamuna Expressway, near milestone 127 in the Baldev area.
Fourteen vehicles collided in a chain reaction after one vehicle hit the divider amid dense fog. As vehicles crashed one after another, massive flames erupted, engulfing several of them.
Nine vehicles were completely reduced to ashes, while five others were damaged.
Among the burnt vehicles were one state roadways bus, seven private buses, and one car. Passengers trapped inside the buses were burned so severely that their bodies became unrecognizable, reduced to charred remains.
While 13 deaths were initially confirmed on Tuesday, 18 bodies were later found in bags brought to the post-mortem house on Wednesday.
District Magistrate C.P. Singh confirmed that all 18 bodies have now undergone post-mortem examinations.
The bodies that could be identified have been handed over to their families. For the remaining victims, DNA samples are being collected from relatives.
On Wednesday alone, four more individuals provided DNA samples at the district hospital: Rajkumar, brother of Narendra from Fatehpur; Jagdish Pal, father of Pankaj from Sambhal; Ali Abbas, son of Salim from Kanpur; and Bragbhān, father of Devendra from Hamirpur.
Earlier, seven people had submitted samples on Tuesday, taking the total to 11.
IRTI Team Inspects Accident Site
As part of the investigation, an 11-member team from the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE) in Faridabad inspected the accident site.
The team also examined the burned vehicles. Dr. Shruti Gupta, Head of the Forensic Science Department at IRTE and leader of the team, said that the investigation is aimed at determining the exact causes of the incident.
“Accidents have occurred on this stretch earlier as well, but such a massive fire involving so many vehicles has never been seen before. It would be premature to conclude at this stage,” she said.
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