A routine journey turned into a nightmare for hundreds of motorists early Friday after multiple crashes on Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway left one person dead, another seriously injured and caused hours of heavy traffic congestion.
The accidents forced the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to advise road users to avoid the busy corridor and use alternative routes while emergency teams worked to clear the scene.
Consequently, long queues of stranded vehicles stretched across both sides of the expressway as recovery operations continued. Motorists heading towards Lagos and Ibadan were urged to remain patient while officials restored normal traffic flow.
According to the FRSC Lagos Sector Command, the first Kara Bridge accident happened at about 12:05 a.m. on the outbound lane towards Ibadan. The crash involved five articulated trucks and one Toyota Sienna vehicle.
Preliminary findings showed that excessive speed and loss of control were responsible for the collision. A total of seven adult men were involved in the accident.
One person lost his life, while another sustained injuries. However, five others escaped without injuries.
Meanwhile, rescue workers faced a difficult operation after the body of the deceased became trapped beneath one of the heavily loaded trucks. Heavy recovery equipment was later deployed to remove the vehicle and recover the victim.
While emergency teams were still at the scene, another accident occurred around 3:15 a.m. on the inbound lane towards Lagos.
This second crash involved a Mazda commercial bus. According to the FRSC, the driver reportedly lost control after the vehicle suffered brake failure.
The driver sustained serious injuries during the crash. However, he was rescued by emergency responders and taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for medical treatment.
Furthermore, officials from the FRSC, LASTMA, LASEMA and other emergency agencies continued working together to remove the damaged vehicles from the road.
The operation was also aimed at clearing the blocked lanes and restoring the free movement of traffic as quickly as possible.
The Lagos Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat, and LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, sympathised with the families affected by the tragic incidents.
Moreover, they appealed to motorists to cooperate with traffic officers managing the situation around the crash scene.
Due to the severe traffic build-up, motorists were strongly advised to stay away from the Kara-Ojodu Berger corridor until the recovery exercise is completed.
Authorities recommended the Ikorodu-Sagamu route for motorists travelling towards Ibadan. Those heading into Lagos were advised to use either the Lekki-Epe Expressway or the Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway.
In addition, the FRSC reminded commercial drivers and operators of articulated vehicles to inspect their vehicles properly before every journey.
Particular attention, the agency said, should be given to braking systems and other critical safety components.
The command also discouraged unnecessary night travel because poor visibility, rainfall and fog increase the risk of serious accidents.
The FRSC advised:
“Where night travel is unavoidable, drivers are advised to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, avoid dangerous overtaking, and rest when fatigued.”
The agency further reassured Nigerians of its commitment to protecting road users across the country.
According to the FRSC:
“The FRSC remains committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and will continue to work with relevant emergency and traffic management agencies to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.”
Therefore, motorists are encouraged to obey traffic rules, avoid speeding and ensure their vehicles are in good condition before setting out.
ultiple crashes on Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
