LASTMA AND OTHER EMERGENCY AGENCIES CONDUCT JOINT RESCUE OPERATION AFTER FATAL MULTIPLE-VEHICLE CRASH ON KARA BRIDGE, LAGOS-IBADAN EXPRESSWAY

By Olayiwola Ibrahim // The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a fatal multiple-vehicle accident on Kara Bridge inward Mowe-Ibafo, which resulted in the death of a motor boy and triggered a coordinated emergency response by several agencies.

The incident occurred in the early hours of today and led to severe traffic congestion extending from Kara Bridge through Berger to Otedola Bridge. The gridlock also spilled over to the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi routes.

Preliminary findings indicate that the crash involved three articulated trucks, two Mitsubishi Canter trucks, and one Toyota Sienna. Noting that there was also a separate articulated trailer loaded with chemicals that overturned on the bridge.

Authorities believe the overturned trailer caused an obstruction that led to the chain-reaction collision.

Sadly, a motor boy who was trapped during the initial incident around the Opic axis died from injuries sustained, despite the quick response of emergency teams. His body has been evacuated in line with standard emergency procedures.

Due to the scale of the accident, the vehicle registration details could not be confirmed immediately as priority was given to saving lives, evacuating the injured, and clearing the scene.

In a show of strong inter-agency collaboration, operatives 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 teams were deployed to the location.

They worked together to carry out rescue operations, secure the area, recover the damaged vehicles, and restore traffic flow.

To manage the heavy congestion, LASTMA officials implemented temporary traffic diversions, allowing controlled one-way movement from Berger towards Opic Turning while recovery work continued.

The traffic backlog remains significant, stretching from Kara Bridge to Otedola Bridge. Motorists coming through Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi are also experiencing delays.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to protecting lives through timely emergency response, effective traffic management, and continued collaboration with other agencies.

He urged drivers of articulated vehicles and all road users to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before traveling, maintain safe distances, avoid reckless driving, and drive with caution, especially on bridges and other major routes.

Motorists are advised to remain patient, cooperate with traffic personnel on ground, and use alternative routes where possible until the corridor is fully cleared and normal traffic resumes.

LASTMA also encourages the public to use its toll-free emergency line 3367 to report road accidents, vehicle breakdowns, obstructions, and other emergencies requiring urgent attention.