Commuters yesterday spent long hours in traffic logjam following the overturning of a Mack articulated truck conveying two 20-foot containers, which developed a battery-related mechanical fault while in transit along the Otedola Bridge corridor.

The incident triggered a traffic backlog extending beyond Kara Bridge, as approaching motorists encountered congestion within the affected corridor.

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed that during an attempted unprofessional private recovery operation aimed at removing the immobilised vehicle from the roadway, the truck unfortunately overturned, causing the containers to dislodge and spill onto the carriageway, thereby obstructing a section of the road.

On-site assessments confirmed that no casualty was recorded, as the situation was brought under control through the intervention of LASTMA operatives, working in collaboration with other emergency response agencies.

Upon receiving the distress notification, the LASTMA Rescue and Recovery Team mobilised to the scene, collaborating with operational personnel from LASTMA Zone 2 Command to institute comprehensive traffic control architecture to safeguard motorists and avert any potential secondary incidents.

To facilitate the expeditious clearance of the obstruction, LASTMA temporarily closed the main carriage expressway inward Lagos, deployed a tow truck to the location, while a heavy-duty crane was also engaged to undertake the technical lifting and repositioning of the fallen containers, thereby enabling a safe and coordinated recovery operation.

Following the successful completion of the recovery and clearance operations, normal traffic flow was progressively restored by opening back the main carriageway upon the removal of the overturned truck and its containers from the roadway.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, deployed more personnel to the incident arena to complement other emergency responders.

He reiterates the authority’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives, preservation of critical road infrastructure and the sustained facilitation of safe and seamless mobility across Lagos road networks.