A motor boy has died following a multiple-vehicle collision on Kara Bridge inward Mowe-Ibafo along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, prompting a coordinated rescue operation by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency agencies.
The crash, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, also triggered a massive traffic gridlock stretching from Kara Bridge through Berger to Otedola Bridge, with spill-over congestion affecting the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi corridors.
According to preliminary investigations, the accident involved three articulated trucks, two Mitsubishi Canter (Cabstar) trucks, a Toyota Sienna and a separate articulated trailer carrying chemical substances that overturned on the bridge. Authorities believe the overturned trailer obstructed the roadway, leading to the chain-reaction collision.
LASTMA said a motor boy who became trapped during the initial incident around the Opic axis sustained fatal injuries despite prompt rescue efforts by emergency responders. His body has since been evacuated in line with established emergency response procedures.
The agency noted that the registration details of the affected vehicles could not be immediately established as emergency personnel prioritised rescuing victims, evacuating casualties and clearing the accident scene.
Rescue operations were jointly carried out by officials of LASTMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), officers of the Nigeria Police Force from Adigboluja Police Station and heavy-duty towing operators. The teams worked to rescue victims, recover damaged vehicles, secure the area and restore traffic flow.
To ease the severe congestion, LASTMA implemented temporary traffic diversion measures, allowing controlled one-way movement of vehicles from Berger towards Opic Turning while recovery operations continued.
Despite the intervention, traffic remained heavily backed up from Kara Bridge to Otedola Bridge, with motorists approaching through the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi routes also experiencing significant delays.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives through prompt emergency response, effective traffic management and collaboration with other emergency agencies.
Bakare-Oki urged operators of articulated vehicles and other motorists to ensure their vehicles are mechanically fit before embarking on journeys, maintain safe following distances, avoid reckless driving and exercise extra caution when travelling on bridges and other critical road corridors.
He also advised motorists to remain calm, cooperate with traffic officials and use alternative routes where possible until normal traffic flow is restored.
LASTMA further encouraged members of the public to report road crashes, vehicle breakdowns, traffic obstructions and other emergencies through its toll-free emergency short code, 3367, for immediate intervention. #Securitynewsalert.com
