Commuters stranded as multi-vehicle accident rocks Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

A major traffic disruption occurred on Friday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after a multi-vehicle accident near Kara Bridge, inward OPIC, leaving commuters and motorists stuck for hours on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.

The crash, which happened in the early hours of the day, involved several trucks and cars. While the number of casualties has not been confirmed by authorities, some individuals sustained injuries.

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said on X: “We recorded an accident on the Kara bridge inward Opic on the Lagos Ibadan Express Way with multiple vehicles. LASTMA personnel and other Emergency responders have swung into action to rescue the victims and also clear the affected vehicles.

“The incident has dragged traffic backwards Otedola bridge. Patience is required from the road users.”

Operatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), LASTMA, and other emergency agencies were seen managing the situation and working to ease the congestion.

Despite these efforts, the gridlock extended all the way to the Mowe area and affected traffic around the 7-Up axis in Lagos. Stranded passengers were seen walking to their destinations, while others remained in place, hoping the situation would improve.

In a later update, LASTMA stated: “Some of the vehicles affected have been successfully recovered from the road, two lanes are now opened for vehicular movement inward Opic. Efforts are still ongoing to evacuate the articulated truck as well.”

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which recently underwent upgrades, remains a hotspot for accidents, especially involving articulated vehicles, raising renewed concerns about road safety and emergency response effectiveness.