Multiple crashes along the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the early hours of Friday left one person dead, two others injured and caused severe traffic gridlock, stranding hundreds of motorists.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incidents and advised motorists to use alternative routes while rescue and recovery operations continue.
According to a statement by the Lagos Sector Public Education Officer, Elizabeth Jayeola, the first crash occurred around 12:05 a.m. on the outbound carriageway towards Ibadan. It involved five articulated trucks and a Toyota Sienna, with excessive speed and loss of control identified as the likely causes.
Seven adult males were involved in the crash. One person died, another sustained injuries, while five others escaped unhurt. The FRSC said the deceased’s body remained trapped beneath one of the heavily loaded trucks, requiring heavy-duty recovery equipment for evacuation.
While emergency teams were attending to the scene, another crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on the inbound carriageway towards Lagos. The lone accident involved a Mazda commercial bus and was caused by brake failure. The driver suffered serious injuries and was rescued by FRSC personnel before being taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for treatment.
The FRSC, in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other emergency responders, is working to clear the wreckage, recover the trapped victim and restore the free flow of traffic.
Lagos Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and appealed to motorists to remain patient and cooperate with traffic officials.
He advised motorists travelling from Lagos to Ibadan to use the Ikorodu-Sagamu route, while those heading into Lagos should consider the Lekki-Epe Expressway or the Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway until the recovery operations are completed.
The FRSC also urged motorists, particularly operators of articulated trucks and commercial buses, to ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on any journey.