A coordinated search and rescue operation involving the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency agencies was launched on Thursday following separate multiple-vehicle crashes on Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed the life of a motor boy and caused massive traffic disruption. It was learnt that the incidents occurred in the early hours of the day when an articulated trailer carrying chemical substances overturned on the bridge, obstructing traffic and triggering a chain-reaction collision involving three articulated trucks, two Mitsubishi Canter trucks and a Toyota Sienna. It was also learnt that emergency responders swiftly mobilised to the scene to rescue trapped victims, evacuate casualties and clear the wreckage. However, a motor boy trapped during the initial crash near the Opic axis died from injuries sustained in the accident despite rescue efforts. Opposition lawmakers protest as Reps pass state police bill Police pick 2 over cattle rustling in Bauchi His remains were later evacuated in line with emergency response protocols. The rescue operation brought together personnel from LASTMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), officers of the Nigeria Police Force from Adigboluja Police Station and heavy-duty towing operators, who worked jointly to recover damaged vehicles and restore traffic flow. To reduce the impact of the incident, LASTMA introduced temporary traffic diversions, allowing controlled one-way movement from Berger towards Opic Turning while recovery and clearance operations continued. The crashes resulted in extensive gridlock stretching from Kara Bridge through Berger to Otedola Bridge, with spill-over congestion affecting the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi corridors. LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to rapid emergency response and inter-agency collaboration in protecting lives on Lagos roads. He urged operators of articulated vehicles and other motorists to ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound, observe safe following distances, avoid reckless driving and exercise extra caution when using bridges and other critical road corridors. Bakare-Oki also advised motorists to cooperate with traffic officials, use alternative routes where possible and report traffic emergencies through LASTMA’s toll-free emergency short code, 3367.
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