Kara Bridge Horror: One Dead, Thousands Stranded for Hours After Multiple Crashes Paralyse Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

A devastating series of road crashes on the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has left one person dead, several others injured, and thousands of commuters stranded in one of the worst traffic incidents witnessed on the busy highway in recent months.

The multiple accidents, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, July 24, 2026, caused severe traffic congestion stretching for several kilometres, forcing emergency agencies to launch a large-scale rescue and traffic management operation.

The first crash happened at approximately 12:05 a.m. on the outbound carriageway toward Ibadan, inward Mowe/Ibafo. Preliminary reports from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) indicated that the collision involved a Toyota Sienna and two Cabstar trucks after an articulated trailer had earlier overturned on the bridge.

However, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) later confirmed that the incident involved five articulated trucks and the Toyota Sienna. According to the agency, excessive speed and loss of control were responsible for the multi-vehicle collision.

A second accident occurred around 3:15 a.m. on the inbound carriageway toward Lagos when a Mazda commercial bus reportedly suffered brake failure, leading to another serious crash.

The FRSC disclosed that seven adult males were involved in the main collision. One victim lost his life after becoming trapped beneath a heavily loaded truck, while another sustained injuries. Five others escaped without injuries.

The driver of the Mazda commercial bus sustained serious injuries and was immediately evacuated to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for urgent medical treatment.

Emergency responders from LASTMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the FRSC, and the Nigeria Police swiftly arrived at the scene to rescue victims and clear the wreckage.

Heavy-duty recovery trucks and towing equipment were deployed to remove the damaged vehicles, while officials worked to clear spilled cargo, including plywood and paint, which complicated rescue efforts and prolonged road clearance.

The crashes triggered a massive traffic gridlock in both directions of the expressway, with queues extending as far as Otedola Bridge and affecting surrounding routes including Isheri-Olowora and Ogunusi Road.

To reduce the impact on motorists, traffic authorities temporarily introduced one-way traffic from Berger to OPIC Turning, allowing some vehicles to bypass the most congested sections.

By mid-morning, one lane had been reopened for slow-moving traffic toward Mowe as recovery operations continued. Traffic officials remained on ground to coordinate vehicle movement while emergency teams completed transloading and vehicle evacuation.

LASTMA and Lagos Traffic Radio appealed to motorists to remain patient and cooperate with traffic officials. Meanwhile, the FRSC advised travellers heading toward Ibadan to consider using the Ikorodu-Sagamu Road, while those travelling into Lagos were encouraged to use alternative routes such as the Lekki-Epe Expressway or the Ikorodu-Sagamu corridor where possible.

As of late Friday morning, recovery operations were still ongoing, with traffic flowing on a single lane in parts of the affected corridor.

The FRSC Lagos Sector Command extended condolences to the family of the deceased victim and urged motorists, particularly operators of articulated vehicles, to ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on journeys.

The agency also warned against excessive speeding and encouraged drivers to exercise greater caution during nighttime travel to help reduce preventable road crashes on Nigeria’s highways.