Truck crash causes massive gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

A severe traffic jam paralyzed the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday after a 40-foot trailer loaded with flour overturned near the Kara Bridge. The accident, which occurred around 3 a.m., left hundreds of motorists heading from Lagos towards Ogun State stranded for hours. Congestion stretched for kilometers, with traffic flow only beginning to normalize around noon as authorities worked to clear the obstruction.

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The traffic backlog has stretched to New Garage and beyond, causing delays for motorists travelling towards Ogun State.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) reported that the trailer lost control and crashed into the bridge's side rail, likely due to overloading. While no fatalities occurred, the driver sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital by the police. The incident necessitated swift action, including transloading the flour cargo onto another trailer and recovering the damaged truck with the help of private towing services.

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Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was caused by overloading, which resulted in the driver losing control of the vehicle.

Responding agencies, including LASEMA, LASTMA, FRSC, TRACE, and the Nigeria Police Force, collaborated to manage the scene and minimize disruption. Despite the extensive damage to the truck, which required a heavy-duty crane for final removal, the operation was concluded, and traffic flow was gradually restored. LASEMA officials commended the coordinated efforts of the agencies involved in preventing the situation from escalating.

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No loss of life was recorded. However, the driver sustained severe injuries and was immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital by officers of the Nigeria Police Force for medical attention.