Policeman, five others dead as trucks collide on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

At least six people, including a police officer, lost their lives in a multiple-truck collision on the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday night.

According to reports, the cr+sh involved several articulated vehicles, including a fuel tanker, a container-laden truck, and another truck transporting cartons of biscuits. One victim was reportedly b¥rnt beyond recognition, while others sustained varying degrees of inj¥ries.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed eight casualties and released footage showing the wreckage and bodies at the scene. The acc+dent caused severe gridlock, leaving motorists stranded as rescue and recovery operations continued late into the night.

Eyewitnesses said one of the trucks veered off the road and rammed into the bridge barricade, causing its head to detach and plunge into the river. Some occupants were still missing as of press time. A towing vehicle sent to clear the wreckage was also struck during the rescue effort.

Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olorundare Jimoh, who confirmed the incident, said preliminary findings point to brake f+ilure as the likely cause. “We lost a police inspector in the cr+sh, and those responsible will be prosecuted,” he stated, adding that three inj¥red victims had been taken to the hospital.

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials joined other emergency responders to manage the situation. The gridlock extended to both lanes of the expressway, forcing impatient drivers to drive against traffic.

Commercial drivers reportedly hiked transport fares between Berger and Oshodi from ₦1,000 to as high as ₦2,500. The Kara Bridge tragedy occurred less than 24 hours after another truck acc+dent on the Otedola Bridge, intensifying concerns over recurring road mishaps on the busy highway.

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