Multiple fatal crashes rock Otedola bridge, trigger massive gridlock
At least one person has died following multiple crashes on Otedola Bridge, inward Secretariat, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in the early hours of Friday, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, reported that the principal crash involved two heavy-duty trailers one carrying sand and the other granite colliding violently in what appeared to be a reckless contest for right of way.
The sand-laden truck’s driver was trapped and later pronounced dead at General Hospital, Ikeja, after being extricated by LASTMA rescue teams and handed over to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).
The driver of the granite-laden trailer escaped unhurt.
A secondary accident occurred roughly 50 metres from the first crash when a fully loaded truck carrying flour lost stability and overturned, spilling its cargo across the roadway.
According to the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command, the overturned truck blocked about 90 percent of the carriageway, compounding traffic congestion along the busy highway.
Security operatives from the Alausa Police Division were promptly deployed to provide security, manage crowd control, and assist ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
“Cumulatively, the incidents obstructed nearly 80 percent of the carriageway, necessitating extensive traffic control and diversion measures,” LASTMA said in a statement.
Motorists traveling inward Lagos from Mowe, Kara Bridge, and Redemption Camp were redirected via the Ojodu–Olole route, connecting Agidingbi, Coca-Cola, Secretariat, and 7-Up before rejoining the highway at Gbagada or Ojota, in a bid to ease movement.
The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a key route linking Lagos to the South-South and South-East regions, has continued to witness frequent crashes, raising concerns about road safety along the corridor.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while investigations into the incidents continue.
