JUST IN: Lagos, Ogun Entry Points Locked Down by Multiple Crashes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Parts of Lagos and Ogun states were thrown into severe gridlock on Friday following two separate crashes on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the first crash occurred at about 12:05 a.m. on the outbound carriageway toward Ibadan at Kara Bridge. The accident involved five articulated trucks and a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

According to the FRSC, preliminary findings indicate that excessive speed and loss of control caused the crash. Seven adult males were involved, with one person confirmed dead, one injured and five others escaping unharmed.

The agency disclosed that the body of the deceased remained trapped beneath one of the heavily loaded trucks, requiring heavy-duty recovery equipment before it could be evacuated.

While emergency responders were clearing the scene, a second crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on the inbound carriageway toward Lagos.

The lone accident involved a Mazda commercial bus and was attributed to brake failure. The driver sustained serious injuries and was rescued by FRSC officials before being taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for treatment.

The incidents triggered massive traffic congestion stretching several kilometres along both directions of the expressway and extending into adjoining roads in Lagos and Ogun states.

Affected areas include Oba Ogunji Road, Alausa Secretariat, CMD Road and Magodo in Lagos, as well as Channels TV Road and Isheri in Ogun State.

FRSC Sector Public Education Officer, Elizabeth Jayeola, said rescue teams, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other emergency responders were working to remove the crashed vehicles, recover the trapped victim and restore normal traffic flow.

Lagos Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Ganiyu Hamzat, sympathised with the families of the victims and urged motorists to remain patient and cooperate with traffic officials.

The FRSC advised motorists travelling from Lagos toward Ibadan to use the Ikorodu-Sagamu route, while those entering Lagos were encouraged to consider the Lekki-Epe Expressway or the Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway until recovery operations are completed.

The corps also reminded drivers, particularly operators of articulated trucks and commercial buses, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, pay close attention to braking systems, avoid unnecessary night journeys and reduce speed whenever visibility is poor.

According to the agency, adherence to safety measures remains essential in preventing avoidable road crashes.