A devastating chain-reaction crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claimed eight lives early Thursday.
The accident occurred near the Kara Bridge, on the outbound side of Lagos. Several people were also injured in the resulting chaos of fire, wreckage, and spilled cargo. The entire incident paralyzed traffic for several hours.
The Sequence of Destruction
Traffic officials confirmed that five heavy vehicles were involved in the massive wreck. Eyewitnesses reported seeing trucks collide violently, setting off the chain of destruction:
- One container trailer immediately burst into flames.
- Another vehicle scattered its cargo of biscuit cartons across the road lanes.
- A fourth truck crashed through the barriers and plunged directly into the nearby Kara River.
Casualties and Emergency Response
Emergency teams reported eight fatalities confirmed at the crash site. Victims included a police inspector, a driver’s assistant, and two other individuals.
Recovery efforts are currently ongoing. Consequently, traffic remains heavily jammed along the Ogunnusi section of the expressway.
Initial reports indicate one motorboy and one other injured person were immediately taken to the hospital. Three injured victims were swiftly rushed to medical facilities for treatment.
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officers managed traffic flow and supported the rescue operations.
Brake Failure Cited as Likely Cause
Lagos Police Commissioner Olorundare Jimoh confirmed the details of the tragedy. He stated that early signs suggest the accident was caused by brake failure on one of the heavy vehicles.
“We lost a police inspector. The crash is under full investigation,” Commissioner Jimoh told reporters. He emphasized that anyone found responsible for the accident will face prosecution.
Road Safety Crisis on Lagos Highways
This tragedy happened just one day after a similar wreck. That earlier crash occurred on Otedola Bridge inward Berger-Ojodu. A truck loaded with wheat collided with a mini-truck carrying sausage rolls. The cause of that collision was reportedly drivers fighting for lane space.
These back-to-back crashes severely highlight the urgent and serious road safety risks plaguing major Lagos highways. Urgent action is clearly needed to prevent these deadly, frequent accidents.
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