Otedola Bridge Crash Traps Driver, Triggers Major Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Traffic congestion on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway intensified on Wednesday after a multiple-vehicle crash at Otedola, just before the bridge inward Berger, leaving motorists stuck in a long backlog extending towards the Toll Gate.

Five vehicles were involved in the crash, including three trucks, a white Honda and a Lexus. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said the vehicles also included a containerised truck, a loaded trailer and a truck carrying a generator.

No death was recorded in the incident, although several people sustained injuries. One person who became trapped inside a truck was rescued alive during a joint emergency operation involving the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Police, LASTMA and the Lagos State Ambulance Service.

LASEMA said its response team arrived at the scene at 1:28 p.m., about 10 minutes after receiving a distress call. Rescuers freed all trapped victims and provided first aid before transferring them to the Trauma Centre for further medical attention.

Preliminary findings by LASEMA indicated that the containerised truck developed a mechanical fault while in motion. The truck subsequently lost control and crashed into three vehicles before another truck collided with the vehicles from behind.

The impact caused significant disruption along the busy expressway, with LASTMA officers deployed to manage traffic, assist with evacuation and support rescue efforts. The agency said the resulting gridlock stretched as far back as the Toll Gate.

Recovery operations were still underway as private towing trucks and a crane were brought in to remove the damaged vehicles from the roadway.

Authorities are expected to continue traffic management and recovery efforts until the affected section is fully cleared. Motorists using the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were advised to exercise caution and expect delays around the Otedola Bridge area.