An early-morning multi-vehicle crash on Kara Bridge, near Mowe/Ibafo along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has claimed one life and left several others injured, causing massive traffic gridlock and disrupting economic activities in the area.
According to the Lagos Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the first accident occurred around 12:05 a.m. on the outbound lane toward Ibadan. The collision involved five articulated trucks and a Toyota Sienna, with initial investigations attributing the cause to speeding and loss of control. “Seven adult males were involved in the crash. One person lost his life, one sustained injuries, while five others escaped unhurt,” FRSC Sector Public Education Officer Elizabeth Jayeola said in a statement.
As rescue and recovery efforts were underway, a second accident occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on the inbound carriageway toward Lagos, involving a Mazda commercial bus. The incident, reportedly caused by brake failure, left the driver seriously injured. The FRSC emergency response team promptly rescued the driver and transported him to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for treatment.
When officials arrived at the scene, personnel from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), FRSC, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the police were present to manage the situation. Tow trucks also assisted with recovery operations.
The accidents caused a significant traffic backlog stretching to Otedola Bridge and beyond, affecting the Isheri-Olowora axis and Ogunusi Road. Hundreds of commuters, including drivers of articulated vehicles, were left stranded, with many forced to trek to their destinations or resort to commercial motorcycles, known locally as “okada,” to navigate the gridlock. Economic activities on this crucial route linking Lagos to the rest of Nigeria were severely hampered.
The FRSC has advised motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid delays along the Kara-Ojodu Berger corridor until recovery operations are completed. Suggested alternatives include the Ikorodu-Sagamu route for outbound traffic from Lagos and the Lekki-Epe Expressway or Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway for inbound traffic.
This incident adds to the growing list of crashes along the Kara Bridge axis, which authorities have frequently attributed to reckless driving and other factors.
Channels Television Report.
