Container Truck Crash Caused Kara Gridlock, Ogun Government Says
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Ogun State Government has attributed the severe traffic gridlock experienced along the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Tuesday to a road traffic crash involving a containerised heavy-duty truck that suffered brake failure.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, the government said the truck’s brake failure caused its container to detach and fall across both the inbound and outbound carriageways of the expressway, obstructing traffic and resulting in hours of congestion.
The commissioner explained that the incident occurred as the Kara Bridge Expansion Joint Replacement Project entered its second and final phase, appealing to motorists travelling from Lagos through the expressway to remain patient and cooperate with authorities managing traffic in the area.
According to the statement, the situation was worsened when some motorists attempted to beat the traffic by driving against the flow of vehicles, a traffic violation that further complicated efforts to clear the obstruction and restore normal movement.
“The action significantly aggravated the traffic situation and contributed to the prolonged gridlock,” the statement said, urging road users to refrain from route violations and comply with traffic regulations.
The government warned that driving against traffic poses serious risks to lives and property and can further increase congestion during emergency situations and road construction activities.
It therefore called on motorists to cooperate fully with traffic management officials to ensure safe and orderly movement along the corridor.
To manage the situation, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been deployed to both the inbound and outbound sections of the Kara axis.
The agencies are coordinating traffic control measures and working to minimise disruptions while the ongoing Kara Bridge Expansion Joint Replacement Project continues.
Dairo expressed appreciation to motorists and other road users for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the exercise, stressing the strategic importance of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as a major commercial gateway into the country.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the bridge rehabilitation project while maintaining the safety and convenience of commuters.
