Motorists and commuters were stranded for hours on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Friday following a fatal accident that triggered severe traffic congestion, particularly around the Magboro–Alausa corridor.
The gridlock followed a collision involving two articulated trucks at the Otedola Bridge, inward Secretariat, in the early hours of the day. One of the trucks was reportedly carrying sand, while the other was laden with granite.
As a result of the crash, traffic from Mowe, Kara Bridge and the Redemption Camp axis was diverted through the Ojodu–Olole route, connecting Agidingbi, Secretariat and the 7-Up area, further worsening congestion.
The driver of the sand-laden truck was trapped in the wreckage and later confirmed dead at the Ikeja General Hospital, while the other driver was rescued alive.
Lagos State Traffic Management Authority spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, attributed the crash to reckless driving and a struggle for right of way between the two trucks. He noted that the accident blocked nearly 80 per cent of the road and led to a secondary collision nearby.
Security operatives from the Alausa Police Division were deployed to the area to maintain order and ensure the safety of stranded motorists.
Eyewitnesses reported that vehicles were stuck in long queues stretching from Otedola Bridge to Berger, forcing many commuters to abandon their cars and trek long distances to reach their destinations. Some motorists were also seen driving against traffic in a desperate attempt to escape the congestion.
Several commuters described the experience as exhausting and distressing, with families, schoolchildren and nursing mothers among those affected.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Sector Command, said ongoing repair work on the Kara Bridge expansion joints contributed to the prolonged gridlock. The agency confirmed that officers were deployed to tow affected vehicles and manage traffic flow.
The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway has recorded multiple fatal accidents in recent months, raising renewed concerns over safety and traffic management on the busy highway.
