Dense Fog Triggers Fatal Road Accidents in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh
Dense fog on Saturday morning led to tragic road accidents in two states, claiming eight lives. Five tourists from Gujarat died in Punjab, while three laborers lost their lives in Uttar Pradesh. The incidents highlight the severe risks posed by poor visibility during winter months.
Punjab Accident: SUV Crashes on Bharatmala Expressway
In Punjab's Bathinda district, a group of five tourists from Banaskantha, Gujarat, met with a fatal accident. They were returning home when their SUV slammed into a road divider on the Bharatmala Expressway near Gurthari village. The crash occurred early in the morning amid thick fog.
According to meteorological reports, visibility had dropped to just 40 metres in Bathinda at that time. At such low visibility, even driving at 40 kmph leaves less than four seconds for reaction, making conditions extremely hazardous.
Local residents from Gurthari village quickly alerted the police and initiated rescue efforts. They were joined by personnel from the Sadak Suraksha Force. The victims were rushed to AIIMS-Bathinda, but doctors declared them dead on arrival.
Bathinda City SP Narinder Singh provided details on the deceased. The victims were identified as Arjun, Satish, Bharat, Janak, and Amita. Amita served as a constable with the Gujarat Police, adding a poignant note to the tragedy. All five were in their late 20s or early 30s.
Uttar Pradesh Accident: Truck Rams Pickup on Purvanchal Expressway
In a separate incident in Uttar Pradesh, three laborers died when a truck rammed into a pickup vehicle on the Purvanchal Expressway near Sultanpur. The pickup was carrying 14 workers at the time of the collision.
The impact caused the pickup to hit the median crash barrier and overturn. Seven workers sustained injuries in the accident. The truck driver fled the scene immediately after the collision, leaving authorities to investigate the cause.
The deceased laborers were identified as Ajay Kumar and Kishan Pal, both aged 30, and Rajoli, aged 35. This accident further underscores the dangers of driving in foggy conditions, especially on high-speed expressways.
Safety Concerns Amid Winter Fog
These accidents bring attention to the critical need for road safety during foggy weather. Authorities often advise drivers to reduce speed, use fog lights, and avoid unnecessary travel when visibility is poor. However, as seen in these cases, such precautions are not always enough to prevent tragedies.
Rescue efforts in both locations were swift, with locals and police working together. Yet, the loss of life highlights the unpredictable nature of road accidents in adverse weather. Families in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh are now mourning the sudden deaths of their loved ones.
As winter continues, similar incidents may occur unless drivers exercise extreme caution. The deaths of these eight individuals serve as a stark reminder of the risks on India's roads during foggy mornings.
