A motor boy was killed on Friday following a series of multiple-vehicle collisions on the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, prompting a coordinated rescue operation by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency agencies.
The fatal crash, which occurred in the early hours of the day on the inward Mowe-Ibafo carriageway, triggered massive 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 incident involved three articulated trucks, two Mitsubishi Canter (Cabstar) trucks, a Toyota Sienna, and a separate articulated trailer carrying chemical substances that overturned on the bridge.
Authorities said the overturned trailer obstructed traffic and is believed to have triggered the chain-reaction collision.
LASTMA confirmed that a motor boy trapped during the initial accident near the OPIC axis died despite the swift intervention of emergency responders. His body was later evacuated in line with established emergency procedures.
The agency noted that the registration details of the affected vehicles could not be immediately established as rescue teams prioritised saving lives, evacuating casualties and clearing the accident scene.
A multi-agency emergency response involving 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 was immediately activated to rescue victims, recover damaged vehicles and restore normal traffic flow.
To ease congestion, LASTMA officials implemented temporary traffic diversion measures, allowing controlled one-way movement from Berger towards OPIC Turning while recovery operations continued.
The agency said traffic remained heavily affected across the corridor as clearance efforts progressed.
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, efficient traffic management and sustained collaboration with other emergency services.
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 extra caution, particularly while driving on bridges and other critical transport routes.
Bakare-Oki also advised motorists to cooperate with traffic officials, remain patient and use alternative routes where possible until normal traffic flow is fully restored.
He further encouraged members of the public to utilise LASTMA’s toll-free emergency short code, 3367, to report road crashes, vehicle breakdowns, traffic obstructions and other emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
