One Dead, Traffic Paralyzed as Articulated Trucks Clash at Otedola Bridge
A multiple-vehicle road traffic crash involving articulated trucks on Friday claimed one life and caused severe disruption to traffic flow at the Otedola Bridge inward Secretariat, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, prompting an urgent multi-agency emergency response.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, the primary incident involved a violent collision between two heavy-duty trailers, one conveying sand and the other transporting granite. The crash was reportedly triggered by a reckless struggle for right of way between the drivers.
The impact of the collision proved fatal for the driver of the sand-laden trailer, who was trapped inside the wreckage. LASTMA rescue operatives, while on routine patrol and incident monitoring, swiftly responded to the scene and successfully extricated the victim. He was immediately handed over to officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) and rushed to the General Hospital, Ikeja, where he was confirmed dead. The driver of the second trailer was rescued alive and escaped without injuries.
Compounding the situation, a second traffic incident occurred about 50 metres away from the initial crash site. A separate trailer fully loaded with flour reportedly lost balance and overturned, further worsening traffic congestion along the already affected corridor.
To maintain order and ensure public safety, officers from the Alausa Police Division were promptly deployed to the scene to provide security, manage crowd control and support ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
The combined incidents obstructed nearly 80 per cent of the carriageway, necessitating extensive traffic management and diversion measures. Motorists travelling into Lagos from the Mowe, Kara Bridge and Redemption Camp axis were redirected through the Ojodu–Olole route, linking Agidingbi, Coca-Cola, Secretariat and 7-Up, to ease movement towards Gbagada and Ojota.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, described the crashes as unfortunate and largely avoidable. He attributed the incidents to impatience, indiscipline and the failure of drivers to yield appropriately on the expressway.
Hon. Giwa emphasised that strict adherence to traffic regulations and mutual respect among road users are critical to preventing such tragic occurrences. He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased driver and prayed for strength to bear the loss.
The Special Adviser also commended the prompt, coordinated and professional efforts of LASTMA operatives, LASAMBUS personnel and security agencies in managing the emergency effectively.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to road safety and urged all motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to exercise restraint, professionalism and strict compliance with traffic laws in order to protect lives and property across the state.
