Heavy winter fog blanketing Uttar Pradesh has led to a series of tragic and fatal road accidents, claiming nine lives across three districts. The near-zero visibility conditions over Sunday and Monday resulted in separate collisions in Sultanpur, Kanpur, and Bijnor, highlighting the severe dangers posed by the seasonal weather.
Sultanpur Expressway Collision Claims Three Lives
On Monday, a major accident occurred on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur district. A multi-utility vehicle (MUV), which was carrying 11 people from Lucknow to Azamgarh, crashed at high speed into a stationary truck that was transporting cattle. The truck had broken down on the expressway, becoming a deadly hazard in the thick fog.
The impact killed two individuals on the spot: Sikander Khan (27) and Shambhu Lal (55). A third victim, Shambhu Lal's son Surendra Lal (28), later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the Dostpur community health centre. The condition of the other passengers involved remains a concern.
Kanpur and Bijnor: Separate Incidents Add to Toll
The fog-related carnage began on Sunday night in Kanpur district. In a head-on collision between two motorcycles, two young lives were cut short. The victims were identified as Ritik Chaturvedi (17) and Raunak alias Bobby (16). Both were returning to their respective homes on their bikes when the accident occurred in the poor visibility.
In a similarly devastating incident in Bijnor district, four men lost their lives. The police reported on Monday that the accident took place in the Nangalsoti area on Sunday. A speeding Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) rammed into a stationary dumper truck under the dense fog cover. All four occupants of the SUV, who were returning home, died in the crash.
A Grim Reminder of Winter Road Hazards
These consecutive tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the extreme risks associated with driving during the North Indian winter, especially during early morning and late night hours when fog is at its peak. The near-zero visibility significantly reduces reaction time, making broken-down vehicles, sharp turns, and even oncoming traffic deadly threats.
The incidents underscore the critical need for heightened caution. Authorities repeatedly advise drivers to use fog lights, reduce speed, maintain safe distance, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe fog. The loss of nine lives in just two days paints a grim picture of the human cost of adverse weather conditions combined with road safety lapses.
