Yamuna e-way crash toll rises to 19; identity of most victims still unknown

Agra: The death toll in the Yamuna Expressway crash in Mathura's Baldev area rose to 19 on Thursday after an injured passenger admitted to SN Medical College succumbed to his injuries, days after multiple buses and other vehicles were engulfed in flames following a collision in low-visibility conditions.Mohammed Usman (50), a resident of Hamirpur, worked in Delhi and was returning after visiting Hamirpur to finalise arrangements for his daughter's wedding, scheduled for Feb 2026, when the incident took place, his son Arman told TOI.Meanwhile, the administration has intensified efforts to identify the victims, as most bodies were charred beyond recognition, officials said.Speaking to the media, Mathura DM CP Singh said, "DNA samples are being collected to identify the victims of the unfortunate incident that took place on Dec 16, in which eight buses and two other vehicles were charred. A probe committee headed by an ADM-rank officer is investigating the causes of the accident and measures needed to prevent such incidents in future." At least 14 people have submitted DNA samples for identification, he added."The Yamuna Expressway Authority and the state govt have begun implementing guidelines, including forming vehicle convoys during low visibility, halting traffic when conditions worsen, installing additional cameras, and clearing overgrown bushes and tree branches that had obscured reflectors along the stretch," the DM said. He also urged commuters to remain alert to driving speed and road conditions while travelling.