One Dies as Multiple Truck Crash Causes Chaos on Otedola Bridge
Tragedy struck the Otedola Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday, January 23, 2026, as a multiple-vehicle collision claimed one life and left commuters stranded in a massive gridlock.
The crash, which involved three articulated trucks, occurred in the early hours of the morning, turning the busy highway into a scene of panic and confusion.
Battle for Right of Way Turns Fatal
According to preliminary reports, the primary collision was caused by a reckless contest for the right of way between two heavy-duty trailers one loaded with sand and the other with granite. The impact was devastating, trapping the driver of the sand-laden truck in his mangled cabin.
Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) worked tirelessly to extricate the trapped driver. He was handed over to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) but was unfortunately pronounced dead upon arrival at the General Hospital in Ikeja. The driver of the second trailer miraculously escaped unhurt.
Secondary Accident Compounds Traffic
To make matters worse, a secondary accident occurred just meters away from the first crash site. A third trailer, fully loaded with flour, lost its balance and overturned, blocking nearly 80% of the road. This triggered a severe traffic jam that stretched back to the Berger axis, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
This incident highlights the persistent safety challenges on Lagos roads. It comes just days after Governor Sanwo-Olu clarified demolition plans in Makoko, emphasizing the state's focus on clearing hazardous encroachments to prevent disasters.
Recurring Nightmares on Otedola Bridge
Otedola Bridge has become notorious for tragic accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles. This latest crash renews calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws against reckless truck drivers who endanger the lives of other road users.
Security operatives from the Alausa Police Division have been deployed to the scene to prevent looting and manage crowd control while recovery operations continue.
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