Dare Babalola
A tragic road accident occurred early Friday at Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, claiming the life of a trailer driver.
The crash involved two heavy-duty trailers, one carrying sand and the other granite, and was reportedly caused by a reckless contest for right of way.
Adebayo Taofiq, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, stating that the agency’s rescue team responded promptly to the scene.
The trapped victim was extricated and transferred to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), who conveyed him to the General Hospital, Ikeja, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the second trailer was rescued alive and escaped unhurt. However, another incident occurred approximately 50 meters from the primary crash site, where a separate trailer loaded with flour overturned, further aggravating traffic congestion.
LASTMA and security operatives from the Alausa Police Division were deployed to the scene to manage crowd control, provide security cover, and support ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
The incidents cumulatively obstructed nearly 80% of the carriageway, prompting extensive traffic control and diversion measures.
Motorists traveling inward Lagos from Mowe, Kara Bridge, and Redemption Camp were redirected through the Ojodu-Olole route, connecting Agidingbi, Coca-Cola, Secretariat, and 7-Up to enable continued movement towards Gbagada or Ojota with minimal inconvenience.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, described the crashes as “deeply regrettable and largely preventable,” attributing them to impatience, indiscipline, and refusal of drivers to yield appropriately on the expressway.
Hon. Giwa extended his condolences to the family of the deceased driver, praying for fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. He commended the swift, coordinated, and professional response of LASTMA operatives, LASAMBUS personnel, and security agencies in effectively managing the emergency.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to road safety and urges all motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to exercise restraint, professionalism, and strict adherence to traffic laws to safeguard lives and property across the state.
