Traffic Gridlock As Multiple Vehicle Crash Sparks Fire On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Multiple-vehicle crash involving several trucks and a container-laden trailer has caused a fire outbreak and traffic gridlock on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, around Kara Bridge inward Mowe, Ogun State, on Thursday.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a post on its official X handle, saying the crash led to “a major fire outbreak” and “severe traffic congestion” along the busy route.

According to the agency, the accident involved a truck and a container-laden trailer that went up in flames, another truck that spilled its load of cartons of biscuits onto the road, and a separate container truck that crashed into the bridge barrier, causing its carrier to fall into the river.

“There’s a report of a multiple road crash where a truck and a container-laden trailer were in flames, another truck spilling its contents (cartons of biscuits) on the road, a container-laden truck ran onto the barrier with its carrier falling off the bridge into the river, thereby blocking the entire road at Kara Bridge inward Mowe,” LASTMA said.

The agency confirmed that eight casualties were recorded in the incident, adding that emergency responders were on the ground to recover and evacuate the affected vehicles.

LASTMA noted that the crash caused a significant traffic buildup, stretching from Kara Bridge to Ogunnusi Road, and urged motorists to exercise patience and use alternative routes.

“Effort is on top gear for recovery and evacuation of the vehicles involved. Traffic backlog on Ogunnusi Road and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Officers and other emergency first responders are on ground.

“LASTMA personnel, Police officers, and other emergency teams are on ground clearing the contents (biscuits and goods). A high-capacity tow truck and SEMA ambulance are on site, while a crane machine is also expected to arrive soon at the scene to recover all burnt and affected vehicles,” the agency added.