Mathura, Uttar Pradesh – A devastating road accident on the Yamuna Expressway near Mathura’s Baldev area claimed the lives of six people early this morning, leaving everyone in shock and reigniting concerns about safety on this high-speed road. The collision, involving a Maruti Eeco van and an unidentified vehicle, occurred around 3:00 a.m., and authorities are working to uncover the cause. Here’s the latest on this tragic incident, with updates as they come.
What Happened?
The accident took place near milestone 140 on the Yamuna Expressway, under the Baldev police station’s jurisdiction. According to Mathura Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar, a Maruti Eeco van, carrying eight passengers from Agra to Delhi, collided with an unidentified vehicle, likely a truck, in the early hours of July 19. The impact was so severe that the van overturned, resulting in the immediate deaths of six occupants. Two survivors, critically injured, were rushed to a nearby private hospital in Jewar for treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggest the van’s driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the crash, though police are still verifying details. Eyewitnesses reported that the unidentified vehicle fled the scene, leaving the wrecked van behind. A passerby alerted the police via the emergency helpline 112, prompting a swift response from the Baldev police and expressway security teams. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem, and efforts are underway to identify them.
Police and Official Response
Mathura SSP Shlok Kumar addressed the media this morning, stating, “The accident occurred around 3:00 a.m. when the Eeco van, heading toward Delhi, collided with a vehicle ahead, possibly due to the driver dozing off. We are reviewing CCTV footage and investigating to track down the other vehicle involved.” The police have seized the wrecked van and are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.
Social Media Reaction
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and frustration across social media, with posts on X highlighting the recurring accidents on the Yamuna Expressway. “Another horrific crash on Yamuna Expressway. When will authorities take action to make this road safer?” one user wrote. Local residents and commuters are calling for stricter enforcement of speed limits and better safety measures.
The Yamuna Expressway, a 165-km stretch connecting Greater Noida to Agra, has long been notorious for deadly accidents. Data from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) shows hundreds of crashes annually, with fog, speeding, and driver error frequently cited as causes.
A Persistent Problem
This crash adds to the growing list of tragedies on the Yamuna Expressway, which has seen multiple fatal accidents in recent years. Just last month, a bus collision in Aligarh claimed five lives. The expressway’s high-speed design, combined with poor visibility in winter months, makes it particularly dangerous. Despite efforts to install CCTV cameras and speed limit signs, accidents remain frequent, prompting calls for more robust safety measures like better lighting, regular patrols, and mandatory rest stops for drivers.
