Dense Fog Triggers Chain Collision on NH-9; Techie Dies After Car Falls into Ditch

Mangalore Today News Network

Lucknow/Greater Noida, Jan 18, 2026: Poor visibility due to dense fog led to multiple accidents on the Lucknow–Delhi National Highway (NH-9) on Sunday, leaving at least 12 people injured after a chain collision involving around 10 vehicles, sources said.

In a separate incident linked to fog and alleged infrastructure lapses, a 27-year-old software engineer died in Greater Noida after his car plunged into a deep drainage ditch. The accident occurred late Friday night near Sector 150 when Yuvraj Mehta was returning home from work.

Police said Mehta’s car hit a raised ridge separating two drainage basins and fell into a nearly 70-feet-deep water-filled ditch amid dense fog. Locals who heard his screams attempted to help, but the vehicle was fully submerged. Mehta reportedly called his father, Rajkumar Mehta, seeking help moments before losing consciousness.

Rescue teams, including local police, divers and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, reached the spot within minutes and carried out a prolonged operation. After nearly five hours, the car and Mehta were retrieved, but he was declared dead.

The victim’s family alleged negligence by authorities, claiming the service road lacked reflectors and proper safety measures near open drains. Knowledge Park police station in-charge Sarvesh Kumar said the allegations would be investigated and appropriate legal action taken if negligence is established.

The incident triggered protests by local residents, who accused authorities of ignoring repeated demands for reflectors and warning signage. Following the outrage, officials filled the ditch with debris and garbage.