Shockwaves rippled through the Nigerian entertainment industry on Thursday, June 26, 2025, after popular Nollywood actor Odira Nwobu narrowly survived a ghastly motor accident along the Lagos Expressway. The tragic crash, which claimed multiple lives, has left fans and colleagues thanking God for the actor’s survival while mourning those who were not as fortunate.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with vehicles mangled beyond recognition near the Kara Bridge axis. Odira, known for his comic roles in Igbo and English-language movies, was reportedly en route to a film location when the incident occurred around 11 AM.
Images and videos circulating on social media show the actor’s car severely damaged, raising questions about how he managed to escape with only minor injuries. In a brief Instagram post on Friday, June 27, Odira expressed deep gratitude to God, writing: “Survived what could have been my end…God showed me mercy. RIP to those who didn’t make it.”
First responders at the scene included officers from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), who confirmed several fatalities and multiple injuries. Traffic on the usually busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was halted for hours as rescue efforts continued into the afternoon.
Industry colleagues like Destiny Etiko, Zubby Michael, and Yul Edochie took to social media to express relief at Odira’s survival, while fans flooded his comment sections with prayers and well-wishes. Several Nollywood guilds have called for improved road safety awareness among entertainers who frequently travel for shoots across Nigeria.
Odira’s family has since confirmed that he is receiving medical care for shock and minor bruises. Meanwhile, authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports pointing to over-speeding and brake failure involving a commercial bus.
As condolences pour in for the families of those who lost their lives, the Nigerian movie community is left counting its blessings that one of its own lived to tell the story. The actor has promised to share a full account of his experience in the coming days.
