Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash Triggers Gridlock, Leaves Commuters Stranded for Hours
A multi-vehicle crash near Kara Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway caused a severe traffic jam, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Emergency teams responded swiftly as authorities worked to restore normal traffic flow.
A major traffic jam brought movement to a standstill on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Friday morning following a collision involving several vehicles on the Kara Bridge section of the busy highway, heading toward the OPIC axis.
The incident, which occurred around 7 a.m., involved multiple trucks and private cars, severely disrupting the early morning commute for thousands of road users. While the number of casualties remains unconfirmed, eyewitnesses reported injuries among some of the victims.
Confirming the crash, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) stated on X (formerly Twitter):
“We recorded an accident on the Kara bridge inward Opic on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway with multiple vehicles. LASTMA personnel and other emergency responders have swung into action to rescue the victims and clear the affected vehicles.
The impact of the crash extended traffic congestion as far back as Otedola Bridge, with spillovers reaching Mowe and the 7-Up area in Lagos. Many commuters were forced to abandon vehicles and proceed on foot, while others endured long delays in hopes the situation would ease.
Emergency response teams—including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and LASTMA—were deployed to manage the situation, clear the wreckage, and redirect traffic flow.
By midday, LASTMA issued another update confirming that all affected vehicles had been evacuated and the road fully reopened.
“Officers are still present there, making efforts to clear the backlog of traffic and ensure smooth traffic flow in the area,” the agency added.
This incident adds to the growing list of recurring accidents on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway—a critical transportation corridor that recently underwent reconstruction. Accidents involving articulated trucks remain a persistent issue, underscoring the need for stricter traffic enforcement and road safety awareness.
