Motor boy dies in Kara Bridge multiple-vehicle collision
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
A motor boy lost his life in a multiple-vehicle collision on Kara Bridge inward Mowe-Ibafo along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Thursday, prompting a coordinated rescue operation by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency response agencies.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, resulted in a major traffic gridlock extending from Kara Bridge through Berger to Otedola Bridge, with spill-over congestion affecting the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi corridors.
According to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, preliminary findings revealed that the crash involved three articulated trucks, two Mitsubishi Canter (Cabstar) trucks, a Toyota Sienna and a separate articulated trailer conveying chemical substances that overturned on the bridge.
The agency stated that the overturned trailer obstructed the carriageway and is believed to have triggered the chain-reaction collision involving the other vehicles.
LASTMA disclosed that the deceased, a motor boy trapped during the initial incident around the Opic axis, succumbed to injuries despite the swift intervention of emergency responders. His remains have since been evacuated in line with established emergency response procedures.
The statement noted that the registration details of the affected vehicles could not be immediately established as emergency personnel prioritised rescue operations, evacuation of casualties and the clearance of the accident scene.
Emergency response teams comprising officials of 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 were deployed to the scene to coordinate rescue efforts, recover damaged vehicles and restore normal traffic flow.
To minimise the impact of the incident, LASTMA implemented temporary traffic diversion measures, allowing controlled one-way vehicular movement from Berger towards Opic Turning while recovery operations were ongoing.
Commenting on the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives through prompt emergency response, efficient traffic management and sustained collaboration with relevant agencies.
Bakare-Oki urged operators of articulated vehicles and other motorists to ensure their vehicles are mechanically roadworthy before embarking on journeys, maintain safe following distances, avoid reckless driving and exercise heightened caution while using bridges and other critical transport corridors.
He also advised motorists to cooperate with traffic management officials and make use of alternative routes where practicable until full clearance of the affected corridor and restoration of normal traffic flow.
LASTMA further encouraged members of the public to utilise its toll-free emergency short code, 3367, to report road traffic crashes, vehicle breakdowns, traffic obstructions and other emergencies requiring immediate intervention.