A motor boy has died in a multiple-vehicle crash on Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, prompting a coordinated rescue operation by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency agencies.

The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday on the inward Mowe-Ibafo section of the expressway, triggered severe traffic congestion stretching from Kara Bridge through Berger to Otedola Bridge, with spill-over to the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi corridors.

According to LASTMA, preliminary investigations showed that the crash involved three articulated trucks, two Mitsubishi Canter trucks, a Toyota Sienna and a separate articulated trailer conveying chemical substances that overturned on the bridge.

The agency said the overturned trailer obstructed the roadway, leading to the chain-reaction collision involving the other vehicles.

A motor boy, who was trapped during the incident around the Opic axis, later died despite rescue efforts by emergency responders. His body was subsequently evacuated.

LASTMA said officials were unable to immediately obtain the registration details of the affected vehicles as rescue teams prioritised saving lives, 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 from the Nigeria Police Force’s Adigboluja Police Station and heavy-duty towing operators worked together to rescue victims, recover damaged vehicles and restore traffic flow.

To ease the gridlock, LASTMA implemented temporary traffic diversions, allowing controlled one-way movement from Berger towards Opic Turning while recovery operations continued.

The agency noted that traffic remained heavy from Kara Bridge to Otedola Bridge, with motorists using the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi routes also experiencing long delays.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives through rapid emergency response, effective traffic management and collaboration with relevant agencies.

He urged operators of articulated vehicles and other motorists to ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on journeys, maintain safe following distances, avoid reckless driving and exercise extra caution, especially while driving on bridges and other critical transport corridors.
Bakare-Oki also advised motorists to cooperate with traffic officials, use alternative routes where possible and report road crashes, vehicle breakdowns and traffic obstructions through LASTMA’s toll-free emergency short code, 3367.