The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, working with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has asked motorists to use other routes after multiple crashes on Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway early Friday left one person dead.
The crashes caused heavy traffic, leaving many motorists stuck for hours.
Reports showed the first crash happened around 12:05 a.m. on the outbound lane to Ibadan. It involved five articulated trucks and a Toyota Sienna.
FRSC’s initial findings blamed the crash on speeding and loss of control.
Seven adult men were involved. One person died, another was injured, while five escaped without injuries.
The body of the victim was trapped beneath one of the heavily loaded trucks, leading officials to bring in heavy recovery equipment for evacuation.
As rescue efforts continued, another crash happened around 3:15 a.m. on the inbound lane heading to Lagos. The incident involved a Mazda commercial bus.
FRSC said the single-vehicle crash was caused by brake failure. The driver suffered serious injuries and was rescued by the Corps’ emergency team before being taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for treatment.
Officials from FRSC, LASEMA and other emergency agencies are still clearing the crashed vehicles, recovering the trapped victim, removing the blockage and restoring free traffic flow.
Lagos Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat, and LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy to the families of the victims. They also urged motorists to remain patient and cooperate with traffic officers at the scene.
Drivers were advised to stay away from the Kara-Ojodu Berger corridor until the recovery work is completed because of the long traffic queue.
Suggested alternative routes are: outbound to Ibadan through the Ikorodu-Sagamu route, while motorists heading into Lagos should use the Lekki-Epe Expressway or the Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway.
The Command also urged drivers, especially operators of articulated trucks and commercial buses, to ensure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition, especially their braking systems. It warned against unnecessary night trips because of poor visibility, rain and fog.
“Where night travel is unavoidable, drivers are advised to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, avoid dangerous overtaking, and rest when fatigued.
“The FRSC remains committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and will continue to work with relevant emergency and traffic management agencies to restore normalcy as quickly as possible,” he said.
