Traffic chaos returned to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Thursday following another crash — this time on the Otedola Bridge — involving four vehicles and an articulated truck.
The accident occurred just hours after a deadly collision on Kara Bridge that left several people dead and paralyzed traffic across the busy corridor.
According to eyewitnesses, the Otedola Bridge incident happened in the afternoon when a truck reportedly suffered brake failure, ramming into a car in front and triggering a chain reaction involving three other vehicles.
Although no fatalities were recorded, one person sustained a minor head injury. Witnesses said emergency responders were yet to arrive at the scene when the crash occurred, forcing stranded motorists and passersby to rescue the injured and clear parts of the wreckage.
The collision caused a massive traffic gridlock on both sides of the expressway, leaving commuters trapped for hours under the scorching sun.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were later mobilized to the scene to begin clearance operations and restore traffic flow.
Motorists have been urged to exercise caution and consider alternative routes until the affected vehicles are fully removed from the bridge.
Earlier: Six Killed in Kara Bridge Inferno
The Otedola crash came on the heels of another tragic accident on Kara Bridge late Wednesday night, involving multiple trucks — including a fuel tanker — that collided and erupted into flames.
At least six people, including a police inspector, were confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries. Eyewitnesses said one of the trucks lost control and slammed into others, sparking a chain collision and fire outbreak that engulfed several vehicles.
According to LASTMA, eight casualties were recorded in total as rescue and evacuation efforts continued into the early hours of Thursday.
The situation worsened when a towing vehicle brought in for recovery operations was also hit, further delaying clearance and deepening the gridlock.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olorundare Jimoh, confirmed that five articulated trucks were involved, attributing the crash to brake failure. He added that three injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals and that those responsible would face prosecution.
The accident led to hours-long traffic congestion, forcing desperate motorists to drive against traffic.
Meanwhile, commercial drivers hiked fares on the Berger–Oshodi route from ₦2,000 to ₦2,500, compounding the hardship for stranded commuters.
Back-to-Back Tragedies
The two incidents both reportedly caused by brake failure have once again raised concerns about road safety, vehicle maintenance, and enforcement standards on Nigeria’s busiest expressway.
Authorities have called for stricter inspection of heavy-duty trucks and enhanced driver training to prevent further tragedies on Lagos’ critical transport arteries.
About the Author
