The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a tragic multiple-vehicle collision on Kara Bridge inward Mowe-Ibafo, which claimed the life of a motor boy and necessitated a comprehensive multi-agency emergency response involving several sister agencies.
The devastating incident, which occurred in the early hours of today, precipitated an unprecedented traffic gridlock stretching from Kara Bridge through Berger to Otedola Bridge and beyond with substantial spill-over onto the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi corridors.
Security preliminary investigations revealed that the collision involved three articulated trucks, two Mitsubishi Canter (Cabstar) trucks, one Toyota Sienna, in addition to a separately overturned articulated trailer laden with chemical substances on the bridge. The obstruction caused by the overturned trailer is believed to have precipitated the catastrophic chain-reaction collision.
Regrettably, a motor boy who became trapped during the initial incident around the Opic axis succumbed to his injuries despite the prompt intervention of emergency responders. His remains have since been evacuated in accordance with established emergency response protocols.
Given the enormity of the incident, the registration particulars of the affected vehicles could not be immediately ascertained, as emergency personnel prioritised life-saving interventions, the evacuation of casualties and the expeditious clearance of the accident scene.
In a commendable demonstration of inter-agency synergy, operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), officers of the Nigeria Police Force from Adigboluja Police Station, alongside heavy-duty towing operators swiftly mobilised to the scene to coordinate rescue operations, secure the affected corridor, recover the damaged vehicles and facilitate the restoration of normal vehicular movement.
To mitigate the severe congestion occasioned by the incident, LASTMA personnel immediately instituted temporary traffic diversion measures, facilitating controlled one-way vehicular movement from Berger towards Opic Turning while recovery and clearance operations progressed simultaneously.
The resulting traffic backlog remains extensive, stretching from Kara Bridge to Otedola Bridge, with motorists approaching through the Isheri-Olowora and Ogunnusi corridors also experiencing significant delays.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed profound condolences to the bereaved family and reiterated the Agency's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives through prompt emergency response, efficient traffic management and sustained inter-agency collaboration.
He further admonished operators of articulated vehicles and other road users to ensure that their vehicles are mechanically roadworthy before embarking on any journey, maintain safe following distances, refrain from reckless driving, and exercise the utmost vigilance, particularly while traversing bridges and other critical transport corridors.
Motorists are advised to remain calm, cooperate fully with traffic management personnel and utilise alternative routes wherever practicable until the affected corridor is completely cleared and normal traffic flow is fully restored.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority further enjoins members of the public to take advantage of the Agency's toll-free emergency short-code 3367 to promptly report road traffic crashes, vehicle breakdowns, traffic obstructions and other emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
Adebayo Taofiq Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA
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