Traffic congestion worsened along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday after four vehicles were involved in a crash around Otedola, just before the bridge inward Berger in Lagos State.
The accident involved three trucks and a car, with the impact forcing traffic officials to mobilise emergency teams to the scene. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority said its officers moved in to begin rescue, evacuation and traffic control operations.
According to LASTMA, the crash created a major traffic backlog stretching as far as the Toll Gate, adding further pressure to an already difficult situation on the busy expressway.
Police personnel and other first responders also joined the operation as efforts continued to remove the affected vehicles and restore normal movement along the route.
The latest incident came less than a day after another multiple-vehicle crash at the Kara Bridge, where seven vehicles were involved in an accident that severely disrupted movement towards Ogun State.
That earlier crash triggered a gridlock that lasted for more than 14 hours, with congestion stretching beyond the Long Bridge towards Magboro and into parts of Lagos. Some motorists attempting to escape the traffic reportedly drove against the flow of traffic, creating additional bottlenecks.
The repeated accidents have added to the difficulties faced by motorists using the corridor, especially as repair work continues around the Kara Bridge. Traffic officials have been carrying out recovery and diversion operations to prevent further disruption.
The situation has also renewed concerns about the risks created when crashes, heavy trucks and ongoing road repairs occur on one of the country’s busiest highways.
Motorists using the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have been urged to remain patient, obey traffic officials and avoid actions such as driving against traffic, which can worsen congestion and expose other road users to further danger.