At least 13 killed in massive pile-up on Indian highway amid dense smog near Delhi

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 -At least 13 people have been killed and dozens more injured in a devastating multi‑vehicle collision early Tuesday morning on the Yamuna Expressway near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, India. 

The crash involved several buses and smaller vehicles that collided amid extremely low visibility caused by dense fog and smog, triggering a massive fire that engulfed some vehicles and complicated rescue efforts. Authorities and emergency services quickly responded to the scene, working through dangerous conditions to pull survivors from the wreckage and treat the injured.

The tragic incident occurred in the pre‑dawn hours when seven buses and three cars reportedly rammed into each other on the Agra‑Noida stretch of the highway, where heavy smog drastically reduced visibility to near zero. 

Several victims died of burns after vehicles caught fire following the pile‑up, while more than 30 others sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and were taken to hospitals in Mathura and Agra for treatment. State and local authorities have diverted traffic and are clearing the expressway as investigations continue.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and announced financial compensation for the deceased and injured, stressing swift medical care for those affected. 

The crash has amplified concerns over road safety during winter months when thick smog and poor air quality routinely impair visibility and heighten the risk of pile‑ups on busy highways around Delhi and northern India.