LASTMA leads emergency operation after deadly multi-trailer crash at Otedola bridge

Stanley Ihedigbo

A tragic multiple-vehicle crash involving articulated trucks occurred early Thursday at Otedola Bridge inward Secretariat along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, claiming the life of a trailer operator and causing severe disruption to vehicular movement within the corridor.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the fatal incident, which involved two heavy-duty trailers, one laden with sand and the other conveying granite, was reportedly triggered by a reckless contest for right of way.

The violent collision led to the entrapment of the driver of the sand-laden trailer, who sustained critical injuries.

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Rescue Team, who were on routine nocturnal surveillance and incident monitoring, promptly arrived at the scene and commenced emergency rescue operations.

The trapped victim was professionally extricated from the wreckage and immediately handed over to personnel of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).

He was rushed to the General Hospital, Ikeja, where medical personnel later confirmed him dead. The driver of the second trailer was rescued alive and, remarkably, escaped without injuries.

As rescue and recovery efforts were ongoing, a related incident occurred about 50 metres from the primary crash site when another trailer fully loaded with flour lost balance and overturned, further compounding the already dire traffic situation along the busy expressway.

To prevent a breakdown of law and order and guarantee the safety of commuters and emergency personnel, officers from the Alausa Police Division were swiftly deployed to the scene to provide security coverage, manage crowd control and support rescue operations.

The combined incidents obstructed nearly 80 per cent of the carriageway, forcing traffic authorities to implement extensive diversion measures. Motorists travelling inward Lagos from the Mowe, Kara Bridge and Redemption Camp axis were redirected through the Ojodu–Olole route linking Agidingbi, Coca-Cola, Secretariat and 7-Up, to facilitate continued movement towards Gbagada and Ojota with minimal inconvenience.

Commenting on the development, 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 the persistent refusal of some drivers to yield appropriately on the expressway.

He stressed that strict compliance with traffic regulations and the observance of mutual courtesy among road users remain indispensable in preventing needless loss of lives.

Hon. Giwa extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased driver, praying for strength to bear the irreparable loss.

He also commended the swift, coordinated and professional response of LASTMA operatives, LASAMBUS personnel and security agencies in managing the emergency effectively.

The Lagos State Government, he said, remains unwavering in its commitment to road safety and once again urged 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.