One Killed, Hours of Gridlock as Double Crash Shuts Kara Bridge on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Lagos Sector Command, in collaboration with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has advised motorists to use alternative routes following two separate auto crashes on Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the early hours of Friday that claimed one life and caused massive gridlock.

According to FRSC, the first crash occurred at about 12:05 a.m. on the outbound carriageway towards Ibadan. It involved five articulated trucks and a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Preliminary investigation attributed the crash to speed violation and loss of control.

A total of seven adult males were involved. One person died, one sustained injuries, while five others escaped unhurt. The body of the deceased was trapped underneath one of the heavily loaded trucks, prompting the deployment of heavy-duty recovery equipment.

While rescue operations were ongoing, a second crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on the inbound carriageway towards Lagos. It involved a Mazda commercial bus.

FRSC said the lone accident was caused by brake failure, leaving the driver seriously injured. He was rescued by the Corps’ emergency team and taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for treatment.

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Rescue teams from FRSC, LASEMA and other emergency agencies are currently working to evacuate the crashed vehicles, recover the trapped victim, clear the obstruction, and restore traffic flow.

The Lagos Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat, and LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, sympathised with families of the victims and urged motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic personnel at the scene.

Due to the long stretch of stranded vehicles, motorists were strongly advised to avoid the Kara-Ojodu Berger corridor until recovery operations are concluded.

Alternative routes suggested:
– Outbound to Ibadan: Ikorodu-Sagamu route
– Inbound to Lagos: Lekki-Epe Expressway or Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway

The Command also urged drivers, especially of articulated vehicles and commercial buses, to ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound before trips, with particular attention to braking systems.

It further warned against unnecessary night journeys, citing poor visibility, rain and fog as major risks.

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“Where night travel is unavoidable, drivers are advised to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, avoid dangerous overtaking, and rest when fatigued,” it stated.

“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,” Hamzat said.