Multiple crashes on the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos Ibadan Expressway in the early hours of Friday, July 24, 2026, caused a massive traffic gridlock, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded for hours.
One person was confirmed dead, while two others sustained injuries in the separate crashes.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, in a statement issued on Friday, July 24, 2026, by the Lagos Sector Public Education Officer, Elizabeth Jayeola, advised motorists to use alternative routes as rescue and recovery operations continued.
According to the FRSC, the first crash occurred at about 12:05 a.m. on the outbound carriageway towards Ibadan. It involved five articulated trucks and a Toyota Sienna and was attributed to excessive speed and loss of control.
The agency said seven adult males were involved in the crash. One person died, one sustained injuries, while five others escaped unhurt.
The FRSC disclosed that the body of the deceased remained trapped beneath one of the heavily loaded trucks, requiring the deployment of heavy duty recovery equipment before it could be evacuated.
While emergency responders were attending to the first incident, another crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on the inbound carriageway towards Lagos. The lone accident involved a Mazda commercial bus and was caused by brake failure.
The driver sustained serious injuries and was rescued by FRSC personnel before being taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for treatment.
The corps said its rescue team, in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and other emergency responders, was working to evacuate the crashed vehicles, recover the trapped victim and restore the free flow of traffic.
Lagos Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, sympathised with the families of the victims and appealed to motorists to remain patient and cooperate with traffic officials managing the situation.
He urged motorists travelling from Lagos to Ibadan to use the Ikorodu Sagamu route, while those heading into Lagos should consider the Lekki Epe Expressway or the Ikorodu Sagamu Expressway until recovery operations are completed.
The FRSC also advised motorists, particularly operators of articulated vehicles and commercial bus operators, to ensure their vehicles are mechanically fit before embarking on any journey.
