One person has been confirmed dead following multiple road crashes on the Otedola Bridge, Lagos, in the early hours of Friday, triggering severe gridlock that left thousands of commuters stranded.
The accidents occurred inward Secretariat along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major artery linking Lagos to other parts of the country. Traffic authorities said the primary crash involved a violent collision between two heavy-duty trailers — one conveying sand and the other granite reportedly caused by a reckless struggle for right of way.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the impact trapped the driver of the sand-laden trailer, who sustained fatal injuries and was later confirmed dead.
“The trapped victim was successfully extricated and handed over to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), which conveyed him to the General Hospital, Ikeja, where he was pronounced dead,” LASTMA said in a statement.
The agency added that the driver of the second trailer was rescued alive and escaped unhurt.
A secondary accident later occurred at the scene, further worsening traffic congestion. The Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command said a fully loaded truck overturned during the incident, spilling its consignments and covering about 90 per cent of the carriageway.
“The second accident occurred directly behind the first crash, compounding traffic disruption in the area. Emergency responders have been alerted, and motorists are advised to drive with caution,” the police said.
Security operatives have since been deployed to the area to manage traffic, maintain order, and support rescue and recovery operations. LASTMA disclosed that the accidents collectively obstructed nearly 80 per cent of the road, necessitating extensive traffic diversions.
Motorists travelling inward Lagos from the Mowe, Kara Bridge and Redemption Camp axis were redirected through the Ojodu–Olole route via Agidingbi, Coca-Cola, Secretariat and 7-Up, to ease movement towards Gbagada and Ojota.
The latest incident adds to the growing list of fatal crashes along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. On January 18, two commuters were killed in a multiple-vehicle accident on the Kara Bridge, inward Mowe axis. Earlier, on October 30, 2025, six people including a police officer died in a multi-truck crash involving a fuel tanker on the same corridor
