A nighttime collision involving a tanker and a heavy-duty truck on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge triggered heavy traffic on Monday morning as commuters made their way into the city.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the development in a statement and accompanying video released on Monday morning.
According to LASTMA, the accident occurred near the University of Lagos waterfront section of the bridge, on the lane heading towards Lagos Island. The impact significantly slowed movement for motorists exiting the Tollgate axis and heading toward Iyana Oworo.
The agency reported that the crash happened overnight, but its effects extended into the peak morning hours. The incident, recorded at about 6:58 a.m., caused gridlock across several adjoining routes as drivers sought alternative paths.
Areas particularly affected include:
Alapere inward Lagos Island
Oshodi–Apapa Expressway inward the Island
Parts of Ikorodu Road, where motorists diverted to avoid the bridge
LASTMA stated:
“Traffic is moving slowly exiting the Tollgate toward Iyana-Oworo due to an accident on the Third Mainland Bridge near the Unilag waterfront, heading to the Island.
A tanker and a truck collided overnight, causing significant disruptions. Our personnel and the Nigerian Police Force are on site, monitoring traffic and ensuring safety.”
The agency added that traffic cones were placed behind the vehicles to prevent secondary crashes, while evacuation efforts were underway to remove the damaged vehicles and restore free movement.
Motorists were urged to drive cautiously, obey traffic instructions, and consider alternative routes as officials worked to clear the obstruction.
LASTMA assured that updates would be provided as the situation improved.
