By Deborah Nnamdi
At least six people, including a police inspector, lost their lives in a multiple-vehicle accident on Wednesday night at Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The crash, which involved several trucks, including a fuel tanker, reportedly occurred when one of the trucks veered off the road and rammed into the bridge’s barricade, causing a chain collision. One of the victims was burnt beyond recognition after fire engulfed part of the wreckage.
According to eyewitnesses, the impact of the collision severed the head of one of the trucks, which plunged into the river below. Some occupants of the truck were still unaccounted for as of the time of filing this report.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, stating that eight casualties were recorded. A video released by the agency showed mangled trucks and lifeless bodies at the scene. A towing vehicle brought in to clear the wreckage was also hit during recovery efforts.
“There’s a report of a multiple crash involving a truck and container-laden trailers, one of which caught fire and spilled its contents,” the agency said on its X handle, adding that recovery efforts were ongoing.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olorundare Jimoh, confirmed that five articulated vehicles were involved in the crash, attributing the accident to brake failure. He also confirmed the death of a police inspector and said the command had begun investigations.
“Unfortunately, we lost a police inspector. All those responsible for the accident will be prosecuted,” Jimoh stated.
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel were also deployed to the scene to assist with rescue and traffic management operations.
The incident caused a massive gridlock that extended to the Lagos-bound lane, forcing some motorists to drive against traffic. The heavy congestion also led to fare hikes, with commercial drivers charging between N2,000 and N2,500 for routes that usually cost N1,000 to N1,200.
The Kara Bridge crash came less than 24 hours after another truck accident occurred on the Otedola Bridge, raising renewed concerns over safety on major highways.
