Dense fog returned to Muzaffarpur on Wednesday morning, triggering a multi-vehicle collision on the Darbhanga–Muzaffarpur highway due to extremely low visibility.
According to officials, six vehicles collided with each other after visibility dropped to a few metres during the early hours. The accident led to panic at the site and resulted in a complete halt of traffic for a brief period. Upon receiving information, administrative authorities, police personnel, and rescue teams reached the spot and initiated rescue operations.
Eyewitnesses said thick fog suddenly enveloped the highway in the morning, sharply reducing visibility. During this period, one vehicle applied sudden brakes, causing vehicles following it to crash one after another. Several vehicles were damaged, and a long traffic jam formed on the highway.
Several people were reported injured in the accident. The injured were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital by ambulance, where they are undergoing treatment. No fatalities have been confirmed so far, though doctors are monitoring the condition of some injured individuals.
Police and administrative teams first evacuated the injured from the vehicles and then began clearing the damaged vehicles from the road. Cranes were used to move vehicles to the roadside to restore traffic. After considerable effort, vehicular movement on the highway was gradually normalised.
The administration stated that dense fog and near-zero visibility were the primary causes of the accident. Careless driving and high speed were also cited as contributing factors. The administration has appealed to motorists to avoid travel during foggy conditions and, if travel is unavoidable, to use fog lights, indicators, and maintain low speeds.
The Meteorological Department had earlier issued a warning that fog conditions would persist in North Bihar districts for the next few days. As a result, the risk of accidents has increased on major roads, including the Darbhanga–Muzaffarpur highway. Traffic police have been placed on alert mode in view of the situation.
Following the incident, concerns have again been raised over road safety during winter. Local residents said that warning signs, reflectors, and patrolling on highways should be increased to prevent such incidents. The administration said the situation is being monitored and relief work at the site has been completed.
