Motorist killed in multi-vehicle collision on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

A boy was killed on Thursday after a series of multi-vehicle crashes involving tractor-trailers and an overturned trailer loaded with chemicals caused major traffic disruption on the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said the morning accidents triggered a large rescue operation involving the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force and heavy tow operators.

According to LASTMA Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofeek, the accidents involved three articulated trucks, two Mitsubishi Canters, a Toyota Sienna and a separate articulated trailer carrying chemicals which overturned on the Kara Bridge within Mowe-Ibafo.

Initial investigations revealed that the overturned trailer blocked the road, causing a chain collision involving several vehicles.

The agency confirmed that a boy trapped during the initial crash around the OPIC axis died despite efforts by rescuers to save him, adding that his body was later evacuated from the scene.

The accidents caused severe traffic congestion stretching from Kara Bridge through Berger to Otedola Bridge, with the gridlock extending to the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi corridors.

To alleviate the situation, LASTMA officials introduced a temporary traffic diversion, allowing controlled one-way movement from Berger toward OPIC Turning while damaged vehicles were recovered and the highway cleared.

LASTMA Director General, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and reiterated the agency’s commitment to providing timely emergency response and effective traffic management through collaboration with other emergency services.

He urged operators of articulated vehicles to ensure their trucks are mechanically fit before undertaking journeys, to maintain safe distances and avoid reckless driving, particularly on bridges and other critical sections of motorways.

Oki also appealed to motorists to remain patient, obey traffic officials and use alternative routes where possible until normal traffic flow is fully restored.

The agency also encouraged members of the public to report accidents, vehicle breakdowns and traffic obstructions via its toll-free emergency short code, 3367, to enable rapid emergency responses.