Tragedy struck on Friday at the Otedola Bridge inward Secretariat on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway as a series of crashes involving articulated trucks left one driver dead and brought traffic to a near standstill.
The fatal incident, confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), was triggered by a violent collision between two heavy-duty trailers.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment of LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, one of the trucks was loaded with sand, while the other was conveying granite. According to LASTMA, the crash occurred after both drivers allegedly engaged in a dangerous struggle for right of way, resulting in a devastating impact.
The driver of the sand-laden trailer was trapped in the mangled wreckage and sustained fatal injuries. LASTMA rescue operatives, who were on routine patrol at the time, swiftly moved in to extricate the victim and handed him over to officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS). He was rushed to the General Hospital, Ikeja, where he was pronounced dead. The second trailer driver was rescued alive and escaped without injury.
Moments later, the situation deteriorated further when another trailer, fully loaded with flour, lost control and overturned roughly 50 metres from the initial crash site. The secondary incident worsened congestion and compounded the emergency along the already crippled expressway.
With nearly 80 per cent of the carriageway blocked, traffic movement along the axis was severely disrupted. LASTMA immediately implemented traffic diversion measures, redirecting motorists coming into Lagos from the Mowe, Kara Bridge and Redemption Camp axis through the Ojodu–Olole route, linking Agidingbi, Coca-Cola, Secretariat and 7-Up, to ease access towards Gbagada and Ojota.
Security operatives from the Alausa Police Division were deployed to the scene to ensure public safety, control crowds and support rescue and recovery operations.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, described the crashes as deeply unfortunate and preventable. He blamed impatience, indiscipline and non-compliance with traffic rules by drivers, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles.
Hon. Giwa stressed that adherence to traffic regulations and mutual consideration among road users are essential to preventing needless loss of lives on Lagos roads. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased driver and commended LASTMA, LASAMBUS and security agencies for their swift and professional response.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to road safety and urged motorists to exercise caution, professionalism and strict obedience to traffic laws to safeguard lives and property across the state.
