One killed, two injured as multiple crashes snarl traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway [VIDEO]

One person has been confirmed dead while two others sustained injuries following separate road traffic crashes that occurred in the early hours of Friday along the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, has said.

According to the FRSC, the first and more severe crash occurred at about 12:05 a.m. on the outbound carriageway towards Ibadan, involving five articulated trucks and one Toyota Sienna.

Preliminary investigations by the Corps attributed the multiple-vehicle collision to speed violation and loss of control.

The crash involved seven adult male occupants. One person died, another sustained varying degrees of injuries, while five others escaped unhurt.

The FRSC disclosed that evacuation of the deceased was delayed because the victim’s body became trapped beneath one of the heavily loaded articulated trucks. The Corps said heavy-duty recovery equipment had to be deployed to lift the truck before recovery operations could be completed.

While emergency responders were still attending to the first incident, another crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on the inbound carriageway towards Lagos.

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The second incident involved a Mazda commercial bus in a lone accident, which the FRSC said was caused by brake failure.

The commercial bus driver sustained serious injuries and was rescued by the FRSC emergency response team before being transported to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for medical treatment.

The Corps said its rescue teams, working alongside the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other emergency responders, were engaged in clearing the accident scene, evacuating the damaged vehicles, recovering the trapped victim and restoring free movement of traffic along the affected section of the expressway.

Reacting to the incidents, the Lagos Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Ganiyu Hamzat, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and sympathised with those injured in the crashes.

He appealed to motorists travelling along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to remain patient, obey traffic officials and exercise caution while approaching the accident scene.

The FRSC also advised motorists to avoid the Kara–Ojodu Berger corridor where possible until recovery operations are completed.

For outbound travellers heading towards Ibadan, the Corps recommended using the Ikorodu–Sagamu route as an alternative, while motorists travelling into Lagos were advised to consider the Lekki-Epe Expressway or the Ikorodu–Sagamu Expressway to minimise delays.

The Command further urged operators of articulated trucks, commercial buses and other motorists to ensure that their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on any journey, with particular emphasis on maintaining efficient braking systems.

It also cautioned drivers against unnecessary night travel, especially during periods of poor visibility caused by darkness, rainfall or fog. Where night travel cannot be avoided, motorists were advised to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances, avoid dangerous overtaking and take adequate rest whenever fatigued.

According to the FRSC, excessive speed, poor vehicle maintenance and driver fatigue remain major contributors to road traffic crashes across the country.

The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of road users, adding that it would continue collaborating with relevant emergency and traffic management agencies to restore normal traffic flow and enhance road safety on the nation’s highways.