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Lucknow-Varanasi Highway Accident: A tragic road accident unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday when dense fog led to a massive multi vehicle collision near Mangalam School in Musafirkhana Nagar on the Lucknow–Varanasi Highway. The crash resulted in the loss of two lives and left at least ten other people seriously injured. The incident occurred around 2:30 am, a time when visibility was extremely poor due to thick fog, creating dangerous driving conditions for vehicles traveling on the highway.

Sequence of Events Leading to the Collision

According to initial reports, the accident involved four heavy trucks, one car, and a Janrath passenger bus belonging to the Hardoi depot. These vehicles collided with each other on the Amethi Road overbridge. Reduced visibility appears to have played a major role, as drivers were unable to judge distance or react in time. The impact of the collision was severe, causing significant damage to all the vehicles involved and bringing traffic on the highway to a complete standstill.

Immediate Rescue and Emergency Response

Soon after the accident was reported, local authorities and emergency services rushed to the scene. A large-scale rescue operation was launched to assist trapped passengers and clear the debris from the road. Three hydra cranes and four JCB machines were deployed to remove the damaged vehicles and restore traffic movement. Senior administrative and police officials, including officers from the local police, revenue department, and administrative services, remained present at the site to supervise and coordinate the rescue efforts.

Medical Assistance and Condition of the Injured

The injured victims were initially transported to the Musafirkhana Community Health Centre for emergency treatment. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, doctors later referred them to the district hospital for advanced medical care. Hospital sources confirmed that several of the injured passengers remain in critical condition and are under close medical observation. Medical teams are working continuously to stabilize the patients and provide necessary treatment.

Impact on Traffic and Public Safety

The collision caused severe traffic disruption on the Lucknow–Varanasi Highway for several hours. Vehicles were stranded on both sides of the road as authorities worked to clear the wreckage. Police personnel managed traffic and ensured that damaged vehicles were moved safely to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Normal traffic flow was restored only after the clearance operations were completed.

Similar Fog-Related Accidents Raise Concerns

This incident is not an isolated case. Earlier in December, a similar situation was witnessed on the Noida Expressway, where more than a dozen vehicles, including cars and trucks, crashed into one another due to thick fog in the Delhi-NCR region. That accident resulted in multiple injuries and caused a massive traffic jam. Another comparable incident occurred on the Chakrasenpur flyover, highlighting how fog continues to pose a serious risk to road safety during winter months.

Challenges on Major Expressways During Winter

The Eastern Peripheral Expressway, also known as the Kundli–Ghaziabad–Palwal Expressway, has also seen fog-related accidents in recent times. This six-lane, 135-kilometer-long expressway is designed for high-speed travel, which becomes especially dangerous when visibility drops sharply. Experts emphasize that drivers often underestimate the risks of driving in fog, leading to sudden braking and chain-reaction crashes.

Need for Increased Awareness and Preventive Measures

Road safety experts stress the importance of precautionary measures during foggy conditions. Using fog lights, maintaining safe distances, reducing speed, and avoiding unnecessary travel during early morning hours can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Authorities are also urged to install better warning systems, digital signboards, and reflective road markings on highways to alert drivers about low visibility conditions.

Conclusion

The deadly accident on the Lucknow–Varanasi Highway serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by dense fog during winter. While emergency services responded swiftly, the loss of lives underscores the need for greater caution, improved infrastructure, and heightened awareness among drivers. Preventing such tragedies requires a combined effort from authorities, drivers, and transport agencies to ensure safer travel during adverse weather conditions.