Fog leads to massive pile‑up on Sonipat highway

March 21, 2026

A major traffic disruption occurred on a foggy morning in Sonipat district, Haryana, when dozens of vehicles collided after a truck overturned on a busy highway. The crash took place amid dense foggy conditions, which significantly reduced visibility and made driving hazardous for motorists travelling on the stretch connecting Sonipat with neighbouring districts. The accident caused a long traffic jam as vehicles struggled to manoeuvre through the poor conditions and debris from the overturned truck blocked key lanes.

Truck overturns, chaos on highway

According to preliminary accounts from police and eyewitnesses, the incident began when a heavy truck lost control in the dense early‑morning fog. The truck overturned on the highway, blocking traffic and causing several vehicles behind it to collide with one another. The chain reaction of impacts involved cars, two‑wheelers and other trucks, all struggling to stop in time due to the heavy fog.

Emergency services and local authorities were immediately alerted to the scene, where they found multiple vehicles damaged and stranding commuters waiting for assistance on both sides of the highway. Drivers reported near‑zero visibility at the time of the crash, adding to the confusion and increasing the risk of secondary collisions.

Police divert traffic to ease congestion

In response to the escalating situation, traffic police quickly moved to manage the scene and prevent further accidents. Officers diverted vehicles to alternative routes around the site of the incident and set up safety barriers to protect motorists navigating through the area. The diversion helped reduce the build‑up of more cars behind the accident zone and eased pressure on emergency crews working to clear the highway.

Traffic officials also warned drivers in other parts of Haryana and the Delhi‑NCR region to slow down and use fog lights while travelling, particularly in the early hours when dense fog is most likely to form.

 Four vehicles lifted by crane

Once the area was secured and vehicles were diverted, police arranged for heavy‑duty recovery equipment to be brought in. A crane was deployed at the site to remove four of the most severely damaged vehicles from the roadway. This step was crucial in opening up lanes and allowing traffic to begin moving again. Authorities confirmed that the crane operation helped restore partial flow on the highway by early afternoon, though some delays persisted as checks continued.

Authorities emphasised that clearing the wreckage safely was a priority before allowing vehicular movement at regular speed.

No major casualties reported yet

Initial reports suggest that, despite the scale of the collision, there were no immediate reports of fatalities. Some motorists and passengers suffered minor injuries and were treated on the spot, while others were taken to nearby medical facilities for precautionary checks. Emergency response teams continued to monitor health conditions of those involved, even as the highway was slowly cleared.

Police appealed to drivers to remain patient and cooperate with the diversion plans, urging them to maintain safe distances and moderate speeds in fog‑prone areas to prevent similar incidents in future.

Weather advisories remain in effect

The incident has once again underscored the risks posed by dense fog during winter and early spring in northern India. Meteorological departments have issued advisories for reduced visibility in early mornings across parts of Haryana and the NCR and have urged commuters to exercise caution. Motorists are advised to use fog lights and avoid overtaking on highways until visibility improves.

With travel expected to increase over the coming days, authorities warned that similar weather conditions could persist, reiterating that vigilance on the road remains critical.