Lagos Gridlock: Dual Accidents Snarl Traffic on Gbagada Expressway
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Two separate accidents involving multiple vehicles caused significant traffic gridlock on Lagos's Gbagada Expressway.
- Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) responded to clear the wreckage and restore traffic flow.
- One accident involved two large trucks, while a second incident included two trailers and five other vehicles.
Commuters faced severe traffic disruptions on the Gbagada Expressway in Lagos on Thursday due to two major accidents. The gridlock stemmed from a collision involving two large trucks and a separate incident further down the expressway that entangled two trailers and five other vehicles.
As you can see, the major one here, all efforts is on ground to remove it. The first one has been removed about 45 minutes ago.
Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), supported by tow trucks and a forklift, worked diligently to clear the debris and reopen the affected lanes. The first major accident's wreckage was removed approximately 45 minutes after the initial response, while efforts continued to clear the second scene near Charlie Boy.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki stated that the agency had been on-site since early morning, deploying all available equipment, including forklifts and tow trucks. A crane was also being arranged to expedite the removal of the larger vehicles. Bakare-Oki confirmed that all five smaller vehicles from the secondary accident had been evacuated, with tow trucks working to remove the two trailers still obstructing the road.
We have every equipment, a forklift, another two major tow trucks here. But we are trying to arrange another crane now. The arrangement is solid. We will put all hands on deck and ensure the vehicle is removed.
The dual incidents highlighted the challenges of managing traffic flow on Lagos's busy expressways, particularly when multiple accidents occur simultaneously. Authorities emphasized their commitment to restoring normalcy as quickly as possible.
There is another accident at the back by Charlie Boy involving two trailers and five vehicles. All five vehicles have been evacuated. A tow truck is at that spot too, about to remove the two tow trucks and the two trailers that are involved in the secondary accident.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.