Eight Confirmed Dead in Multi-Truck Collision on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

At least eight people have been confirmed dead following a multiple-truck collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expresswaynear Kara Bridge, just outside Lagos, on Thursday morning.

According to eyewitnesses, several heavy-duty trucks were involved in the crash, which occurred along the Berger axis. Two of the vehicles reportedly collided and burst into flames, sparking panic and creating a massive traffic gridlock. One truck also plunged into the Kara River, worsening the situation.

Officials from the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) arrived promptly to restore order and manage emergency operations.

Footage aired by TVC News showed thick black smoke rising from the wreckage as firefighters battled the flames and rescue teams worked to retrieve victims.

In a statement posted on LASTMA’s official X handle, the agency confirmed the number of casualties and described the extent of the damage:

“There’s a report of a multiple road crash involving a truck and a container-laden trailer that went up in flames. Another truck spilled its contents, cartons of biscuits, on the road, while a fourth vehicle, also a container-laden truck, ran into the barrier, causing its carrier to fall off the bridge into the river. Eight casualties have been confirmed.”

The agency urged drivers to remain patient as clearing and recovery operations continued.

“Efforts are in top gear for the recovery and evacuation of the vehicles involved. There is a heavy traffic backlog on Ogunnusi Road and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. LASTMA officers and other emergency responders are on the ground managing the situation,” the statement added.

Traffic slowed to a crawl from Berger through Ogunnusi Road and extended beyond Mowe, as responders worked to clear the highway.

As of press time, emergency teams were still at the site to recover the fallen truck, remove burnt vehicles, and ensure the road’s safe reopening to traffic.