At least eight people have been confirmed dead following a multiple-truck collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Kara Bridge, outward Lagos, on Thursday.
The crash, which occurred around the Berger axis, involved several heavy-duty trucks. One of the trucks reportedly plunged into the Kara River, while two others collided and burst into flames, causing massive traffic gridlock on the busy highway.
Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were deployed to the scene to restore order and coordinate emergency response.
TVC footage from the scene showed thick smoke billowing from the wreckage as emergency teams worked to contain the situation.
In a statement on its official X handle, LASTMA confirmed the incident, saying eight casualties were recorded.
“There’s a report of a multiple road crash where a truck and a container-laden trailer were in flames, another truck spilled its contents (cartons of biscuits) on the road, while a container-laden truck ran onto the barrier, with its carrier falling off the bridge into the river, thereby blocking the entire road at Kara Bridge inward Mowe. Eight casualties recorded,” the statement read.
“Efforts are in top gear for recovery and evacuation of the vehicles involved. Traffic backlog on Ogunnusi Road and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Officers and other emergency first responders are on the ground.”
The incident caused severe congestion on the expressway and adjoining routes, with traffic building up from Berger through Ogunnusi Road.
This marks the second major truck-related accident in Lagos within the week. On Saturday, LASTMA operatives rescued a severely injured man after a six-tyre truck lost its brakes and plunged off the Oshodi Bridge into the terminal ditch while descending from Oshodi-Oke inward Mile 2.
The truck, with registration number AKD 135 YK, was reportedly loaded with toner printing materials when it suffered brake failure, veered off the carriageway, and tumbled into the terminal below.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, had earlier warned truck drivers to observe strict safety standards and maintain their vehicles to prevent recurring accidents on Lagos roads.