Multiple-Truck Crash Sparks Fire, Gridlock on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway

Details of the Incident

LASTMA said the crash involved a truck and a container-laden trailer that caught fire, another truck that spilled its load of cartons of biscuits onto the road, and a separate container truck that crashed into the bridge barrier, causing its carrier to plunge into the river below.

The agency confirmed that eight casualties were recorded in the incident as of press time, while emergency responders continued recovery and evacuation efforts.

“There’s a report of a multiple road crash where a truck and a container-laden trailer were in flames, another truck spilling its contents (cartons of biscuits) on the road, and a container-laden truck ran onto the barrier with its carrier falling off the bridge into the river, thereby blocking the entire road at Kara Bridge inward Mowe.

Eight casualties recorded and effort is on top gear for recovery and evacuation of the vehicles involved,”
the agency posted on X.

Traffic Disruption and Emergency Response

The crash led to a massive traffic backlog stretching from Kara Bridge to Ogunnusi Road, causing gridlock for motorists traveling along the expressway.

LASTMA said its officers, alongside Police personnel and other emergency teams, were on site managing the situation and clearing debris from the road.

“LASTMA personnel, Police officers, and other emergency teams are on ground clearing the contents (biscuits and goods).

A high-capacity tow truck and SEMA ambulance are on site, while a crane machine is also expected to arrive soon at the scene to recover all burnt and affected vehicles,” the agency stated.

The authority advised motorists to exercise patience and consider alternative routes while the recovery operation continues.

Background: Kara Bridge Accident Hotspot

The Kara Bridge section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway has been the scene of several high-impact crashes in recent years, often linked to overloaded trucks, speeding, and poor vehicle maintenance.

Traffic and safety experts have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of haulage regulations and the implementation of dedicated lanes for heavy-duty vehicles to prevent recurring incidents along the corridor.