Mathura, Dec 16 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of life resulting from the Delhi-Agra Expressway accident involving ten vehicles. He declared an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each victim.

At least 13 individuals have lost their lives, while numerous others sustained injuries in the unfortunate incident.

"The loss of lives due to the accident on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, is deeply distressing. My thoughts are with those mourning their families. I wish for a swift recovery for the injured. An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be allocated to the kin of each deceased, and Rs. 50,000 will be provided to the injured," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) shared on X.

This tragic event unfolded on Tuesday morning when seven buses and three cars collided in heavy fog. The dense fog contributed significantly to the multi-vehicle pile-up, with vehicles crashing into one another in the early hours.

After the collision, several vehicles ignited, causing panic among passengers trapped inside.

Mathura District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh confirmed that eight buses, including a state-operated one, were entirely consumed by flames, and two cars were also destroyed.

"In total, 70 individuals were injured and have been hospitalized. Two of the injured have been referred to Agra Medical College for further treatment. All medical personnel have conducted their evaluations. We have received reports of 13 fatalities at the mortuary," he stated to reporters.

Previously, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar had reported that four individuals had died, and 25 others were injured in the crash.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has acknowledged the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

He also announced financial support of Rs 2 lakhs for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured, as per the Chief Minister's Office.

This tragic collision occurred just a day after another similar incident when dense fog led to a severe multi-vehicle crash involving approximately 20 vehicles on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway early Monday morning.

That accident, occurring around 5 a.m., resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including two police officers, and left an estimated 15 to 20 others with serious injuries.

Officials noted that the massive pile-up in that incident was also primarily caused by significantly low visibility due to thick fog blanketing the area, raising alarm about road safety during winter fog conditions.