A devastating accident on Kara Bridge in the early hours of Wednesday, December 18, 2024, brought the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to a standstill, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and resulting in the death of an unidentified male driver. The crash, involving a truck laden with steel coils and a 40-foot container, occurred around 3:00 a.m., causing a complete blockage of the outbound Lagos lane .
The articulated truck reportedly lost control while attempting to avoid a stationary container on the road, leading to its overturning and the spillage of its heavy cargo across the carriageway. The impact was so severe that the truck’s head detached, exacerbating the obstruction and halting vehicular movement in both directions .
Emergency response teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police, and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were promptly dispatched to the scene. Recovery operations were initiated, including road diversions and the removal of the wreckage, to restore traffic flow .
Despite the swift response, the gridlock extended for several kilometers, with motorists trapped as far back as the 7-Up area in Lagos. Frustrated commuters expressed concerns over the frequent accidents on the expressway, attributing them to reckless driving and inadequate road safety measures .
Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits, especially when navigating through high-risk zones like Kara Bridge. The FRSC emphasized the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and the dangers of overloading, which can compromise vehicle stability and control.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a critical artery connecting Nigeria’s commercial hub to other regions, has witnessed a series of accidents in recent times. On March 21, 2025, a similar incident involving a fallen container caused significant traffic disruptions, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring road safety on this vital route .
As recovery efforts continue, authorities are exploring long-term solutions to enhance safety and prevent future occurrences. These include the implementation of stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved road infrastructure, and increased public awareness campaigns on safe driving practices.
