Motor Boy Dies in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Kara Bridge as LASTMA, Emergency Agencies Launch Rescue Operations
A motor boy lost his life on Friday following a multiple-vehicle collision on Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, prompting a coordinated rescue operation by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency agencies as the incident triggered massive traffic congestion.
A motor boy has been confirmed dead following a multiple-vehicle collision on Kara Bridge inward Mowe-Ibafo along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed that the crash occurred in the early hours of Friday and led to a major traffic gridlock stretching from Kara Bridge through Berger to Otedola Bridge, with spill-over congestion affecting the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi corridors.
According to preliminary investigations by security agencies, the accident involved three articulated trucks, two Mitsubishi Canter (Cabstar) trucks, one Toyota Sienna, as well as a separately overturned articulated trailer loaded with chemical substances on the bridge.
LASTMA said the overturned trailer obstructed the roadway, triggering the chain-reaction collision involving the other vehicles.
The agency confirmed that a motor boy, who became trapped during the initial incident around the Opic axis, died from injuries sustained in the crash despite efforts by emergency responders to save him. His remains have since been evacuated.
Due to the scale of the incident, authorities said the registration details of the affected vehicles could not be immediately obtained, as emergency responders prioritised rescue efforts, evacuation of victims and clearance of the accident scene.
Rescue and recovery operations were jointly carried out by officials of LASTMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Adigboluja Police Station, and heavy-duty towing operators.
To ease the resulting traffic congestion, LASTMA personnel implemented temporary traffic diversions, allowing controlled one-way movement of vehicles from Berger towards Opic Turning while recovery operations continued.
Despite the intervention, traffic remained heavy from Kara Bridge to Otedola Bridge, with motorists approaching from the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi corridors also experiencing significant delays.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the agency's commitment to protecting lives through prompt emergency response, effective traffic management and collaboration with relevant agencies.
He urged operators of articulated vehicles and other motorists to ensure their vehicles are mechanically fit before embarking on journeys, maintain safe following distances, avoid reckless driving and exercise extra caution, especially while driving on bridges and other critical road corridors.
LASTMA also advised motorists to cooperate with traffic officials, remain patient and use alternative routes where possible until the affected section of the expressway is completely cleared.
The agency further encouraged members of the public to report road crashes, vehicle breakdowns and traffic obstructions through its toll-free emergency short code, 3367, for prompt response.
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