Police confirm fatalities as rescue operations continue
At least eight people, including a police inspector, have lost their lives in a tragic multiple-vehicle crash involving five articulated trucks on the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, inward Mowe. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, has caused heavy gridlock and left commuters stranded for hours.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, described the crash as one of the deadliest in recent times along the busy expressway. He said that rescue efforts began at dawn and continued into the afternoon with the joint efforts of multiple agencies, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other security operatives.
Preliminary report points to brake failure
According to preliminary investigations, the fatal accident was triggered by a trailer that suffered brake failure while descending the Kara Bridge slope. The vehicle reportedly lost control and rammed into other trucks, creating a chain reaction that led to multiple collisions and fires.
“We have a case of a multiple accident at the border between Ogun and Lagos State,” Commissioner Jimoh said while briefing journalists at the crash site. “Five vehicles were involved, all articulated trucks. As early as 5 a.m., our men were already on the ground, and we’ve been joined by other emergency agencies to manage the situation.”
The commissioner urged all vehicle owners, particularly drivers of heavy-duty trucks, to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles before embarking on long-distance trips. “At the beginning, we had a trailer that failed its brake, and that’s what caused this tragedy. It is very important for every driver to make sure their vehicles are properly serviced and roadworthy,” he added.
Police officer among the victims
Commissioner Jimoh also confirmed that one of the deceased was a police inspector who was part of the advance team deployed to assist at the scene of the accident. The officer reportedly died while responding to the emergency.
“It’s very unfortunate that we lost one of our police inspectors who came with our advance team to salvage the situation,” he said. “We condole with his family and the families of all those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.”
Officials caution drivers against reckless habits
In his remarks, the commissioner warned motorists, especially truck drivers, against reckless and impatient driving, which he said has contributed to several fatal road crashes on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
“We want road users, particularly those driving articulated vehicles, to stop this kind of recklessness,” he said. “If they obey road regulations and maintain safe driving habits, we won’t be dealing with tragedies like this.”
Officials from the FRSC also emphasized that the Kara Bridge section of the highway remains one of the most accident-prone spots in the South-West due to high traffic volume, speeding, and poor vehicle maintenance. They urged transport unions and logistics companies to prioritize regular vehicle inspections and driver training to prevent future occurrences.
Rescue and traffic control efforts ongoing
As of press time, rescue operations and traffic control efforts were still underway. Personnel from the FRSC, police, LASTMA, and Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) were coordinating to clear the wreckage and restore normal vehicular movement along the corridor.
Emergency workers said at least three survivors had been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while recovery of bodies and removal of debris continued.
Motorists were advised to use alternative routes, including the Sagamu Interchange and Ikorodu–Sagamu Road, to avoid the heavy gridlock that has built up as a result of the crash.
The Lagos State Government is expected to release an official statement once rescue and clearing operations are completed.
