Traffic was brought to a standstill along the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday after multiple crashes occurred on both sides of the highway, leaving one person dead and two others injured.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incidents and advised motorists to avoid the affected stretch by using alternative routes while emergency responders continue rescue and recovery operations.
The advisory was contained in a statement issued by the Lagos Sector Public Education Officer, Elizabeth Jayeola.
According to the FRSC, the first crash happened around 12:05 a.m. on the outbound carriageway heading towards Ibadan.
The accident involved five articulated trucks and a Toyota Sienna and was blamed on excessive speed and loss of control.
The statement read, “A total of seven adult males were involved in the crash. One person lost his life, one sustained injuries, while five others escaped unhurt.
Due to the position of one of the heavily loaded trucks, the body of the deceased is trapped underneath the vehicle, necessitating the deployment of heavy-duty recovery equipment before evacuation can be completed.
“Due to the position of one of the heavily loaded trucks, the body of the deceased is trapped underneath the vehicle, necessitating the deployment of heavy-duty recovery equipment before evacuation can be completed.
“While rescue and recovery operations were ongoing, another crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on the inbound carriageway towards Lagos involving a Mazda commercial bus. The lone crash was caused by brake failure, leaving the driver seriously injured.
He was promptly rescued by the FRSC emergency response team and taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for medical treatment.”
READ ALSO: Two Dead, Four Injured in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crashes
The corps explained that while officials were still responding to the first accident, another crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on the inbound lane heading into Lagos.
The incident involved a Mazda commercial bus, and the driver suffered serious injuries after the vehicle reportedly experienced brake failure.
FRSC personnel rescued the injured driver and transported him to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for treatment.
The agency said its rescue team, working alongside the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and other emergency responders, was focused on clearing the crashed vehicles, recovering the trapped victim and restoring normal traffic flow along the expressway.
Reacting to the incidents, the Lagos Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and appealed to road users to remain calm and cooperate with traffic management officials.
“Motorists are strongly advised to use alternative routes where possible to avoid delays from the Kara-Ojodu Berger corridor until recovery operations are concluded.”
He advised travellers heading from Lagos to Ibadan to divert through the Ikorodu-Sagamu route, while motorists travelling into Lagos should consider the Lekki-Epe Expressway or the Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway.
The FRSC also reminded motorists, especially operators of articulated vehicles and commercial buses, to ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound before setting out on any journey.