A major accident involving several trucks and a container-laden trailer caused a massive fire and traffic gridlock on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, specifically at the Kara Bridge inward Mowe.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday. The agency said the crash involved multiple heavy-duty vehicles, including one that went up in flames and another that spilled its load of cartons of biscuits onto the highway.
According to LASTMA, one of the container trucks crashed into the bridge barrier, causing its carrier to fall into the river and block the road completely.
Okay News reports that the accident led to long hours of standstill traffic as commuters were trapped along the busy route, while rescue teams worked tirelessly to manage the situation.
The agency added that eight casualties were recorded, while emergency responders worked to clear the wreckage and recover the affected vehicles.
“There’s a report of a multiple road crash where a truck and a container-laden trailer were in flames, another truck spilling its contents (cartons of biscuits) on the road, a container-laden truck ran onto the barrier with its carrier falling off the bridge into the river, thereby blocking the entire road at Kara Bridge inward Mowe.
Eight casualties recorded and effort is on top gear for recovery and evacuation of the vehicles involved,” LASTMA stated.
The crash caused severe traffic congestion, stretching from the Kara Bridge area to Ogunnusi Road, as hundreds of motorists were stranded. LASTMA advised drivers to exercise patience and consider alternative routes.
“Traffic backlog on Ogunnusi road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Officers and other emergency first responders are on ground,” the agency added.
Officials of LASTMA, the Police, and the State Emergency Management Agency were seen at the scene, working to remove debris and restore traffic flow. A high-capacity tow truck and an ambulance were deployed, while a crane was expected to help recover the burnt vehicles.
Motorists were urged to remain calm and follow traffic officers’ instructions as clearing operations continued late into the evening.
