Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
At least two people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a multiple vehicle crash at Kara Bridge, inward Mowe, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Saturday, once again drawing attention to safety concerns on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.
The accident occurred at about 3:15 p.m. and involved a loaded long truck, two commercial buses, and two private vehicles, according to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority. The scale of the crash caused significant disruption to traffic flow and prompted an immediate emergency response from traffic and rescue officials.
In a statement released by LASTMA, the agency explained that the incident began when a loaded long truck reportedly lost balance and fell on its side while in motion. The truck subsequently collided with a Toyota Corolla and a Toyota RAV4 sports utility vehicle bearing Lagos registration number LSR-618-HS. The impact also affected two loaded interstate Mazda buses with registration numbers APP-835-XY and JJJ-538-YE, both registered in Lagos State.
Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene as the truck overturned and swept into nearby vehicles, trapping some occupants and scattering debris across multiple lanes of the expressway. Motorists and commuters in the vicinity reportedly rushed to assist injured victims before the arrival of emergency responders, while traffic quickly built up on both sides of the roadway.
LASTMA said its officers, popularly known by the radio code name “PAPA OSCAR,” were immediately deployed to the scene to manage traffic and coordinate emergency efforts. The officers worked to prevent secondary accidents, control the movement of vehicles, and create access for rescue and recovery operations.
Preliminary reports from the scene indicated that at least two people lost their lives as a result of the crash. Several other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were assisted by emergency responders and good Samaritans. Some of the injured were reportedly taken to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment, though officials did not immediately disclose the exact number or severity of injuries.
The accident caused a major traffic gridlock along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, particularly in the Kara Bridge and Mowe axis, as damaged vehicles blocked significant portions of the road. Commuters heading towards Lagos and those traveling outward experienced long delays as traffic authorities worked to stabilize the situation.
LASTMA confirmed that tow trucks were promptly contacted to evacuate the wrecked vehicles and clear the roadway. The agency said its priority was to restore traffic flow while ensuring the safety of motorists and emergency personnel operating at the scene. By late afternoon, efforts were ongoing to remove the overturned truck and other damaged vehicles to allow normal movement to resume.
Officials noted that the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway remains one of the most heavily trafficked routes in the country, serving as a critical link between Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, and several other states in the southwest and beyond. The frequency of accidents along the corridor has continued to raise concerns among road users, transport unions, and safety advocates.
While investigations into the exact cause of Saturday’s crash were still ongoing, road safety experts have consistently pointed to factors such as speeding, mechanical failure, overloading of trucks, and poor adherence to traffic regulations as major contributors to accidents on the expressway. The Kara Bridge axis, in particular, has witnessed several serious accidents in the past, often involving heavy-duty vehicles.
LASTMA reiterated its call for motorists, especially drivers of articulated vehicles and commercial buses, to exercise caution and adhere strictly to traffic rules. The agency emphasized the importance of proper vehicle maintenance, avoidance of reckless driving, and compliance with speed limits to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
In recent months, Lagos traffic authorities have intensified public awareness campaigns and enforcement operations aimed at improving road safety across the state. These efforts include regular monitoring of highways, removal of unroadworthy vehicles, and sanctions against drivers found violating traffic laws. Despite these measures, accidents involving heavy trucks continue to pose a significant challenge.
Saturday’s crash also renewed public debate on the condition and management of Nigeria’s major highways. Many commuters expressed frustration over the recurring loss of lives on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and called for stronger enforcement of safety regulations, improved road infrastructure, and stricter control of heavy-duty vehicles.
Emergency responders at the scene commended the cooperation of motorists who followed instructions and allowed rescue operations to proceed without interference. They also urged the public to remain patient during such incidents, noting that crowding and disorder at accident scenes can hinder rescue efforts and increase the risk of further casualties.
As traffic gradually eased following the partial clearing of the road, authorities assured the public that updates would be provided as investigations continue. The identities of the deceased had not been officially released at the time of reporting, pending notification of their families.
The tragic incident serves as another reminder of the human cost of road accidents and the urgent need for sustained efforts to improve safety on Nigeria’s highways. For many commuters who witnessed the crash or were delayed by its aftermath, the events of Saturday afternoon underscored the fragile line between routine travel and sudden tragedy on the nation’s roads.
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