By Peace Udugba
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the death of a motor boy following separate multiple-vehicle crashes on Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, an incident that also triggered a coordinated emergency response by several agencies.
The crashes, which occurred in the early hours of Friday on Kara Bridge inward Mowe-Ibafo, caused severe traffic congestion stretching from Kara Bridge through Berger to Otedola Bridge, with spill-over delays affecting the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi corridors.
According to preliminary investigations, the crashes involved three articulated trucks, two Mitsubishi Canter (Cabstar) trucks, one Toyota Sienna, as well as a separate articulated trailer carrying chemical substances that overturned on the bridge. Authorities believe the overturned trailer obstructed traffic, leading to the chain-reaction collision.
LASTMA disclosed that a motor boy who became trapped during the initial crash around the Opic axis died from injuries sustained in the accident despite prompt rescue efforts. His body has since been evacuated in line with emergency response procedures.
The agency said the registration details of the affected vehicles could not be immediately confirmed as emergency responders prioritised rescuing victims, evacuating casualties and clearing the accident scene.
Emergency responders from 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 operators were deployed to the scene to conduct rescue operations, secure the area, recover damaged vehicles and restore traffic flow.
To ease the resulting congestion, LASTMA implemented temporary traffic diversion measures, allowing controlled one-way traffic movement from Berger towards Opic while recovery and clearance operations continued.
The agency noted that traffic remained heavy from Kara Bridge to Otedola Bridge, with motorists approaching through Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi also experiencing significant delays.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives through prompt emergency response, effective traffic management and strong collaboration with other emergency agencies.
He urged operators of articulated vehicles and other motorists to ensure their vehicles are mechanically fit before embarking on journeys, maintain safe following distances, avoid reckless driving and exercise caution, especially while driving across bridges and other critical transport corridors.
Bakare-Oki also advised motorists to remain calm, cooperate with traffic management officials and use alternative routes where possible until the affected section of the expressway is completely cleared.
He further encouraged members of the public to report traffic crashes, vehicle breakdowns, road obstructions and other emergencies through LASTMA’s toll-free emergency short code 3367 for immediate intervention.
