Lagos-Ibadan Expressway grounded for hours, authorities clearing out gridlock
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
For several hours on Sunday, multiple accidents produced long traffic tailbacks on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near NASFAT roundabout, until the authorities waded in to clear out the gridlock.
The accidents occurred at about 7am on Sunday involving two trucks and about four other vehicles, creating chaos and leaving motorists stranded.
Officials from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the police arrived the scene, controlled the traffic, cleared the wreckage, and assisted those affected.
TRACE Commander for the Mowe-Ibafo axis, Kabir Ojerinde, provided details of the incident as follows:
“According to an eyewitness, the crash occurred when a trailer travelling from Lagos tried to avoid colliding with a smaller vehicle attempting to cross at the NASFAT roundabout,” he said, per The PUNCH.
“In the process, the trailer lost control and crashed into several vehicles at the turning.
“Emergency responders, including TRACE, the police, and the FRSC, are currently on site, working to clear the wreckage.”
Traffic eased up
Ojerinde said one of the trucks, loaded with watermelons, was moved off the road to ease traffic flow.
He cited speeding and poor visibility as possible factors in the crashes, although the exact causes have not been confirmed.
Asked about casualties and the identification of the vehicles involved, Ojerinde explained that “a report on the crash will be issued shortly.”
About an hour later, he confirmed that “only one driver was injured, no one died from the crash.”
Motorists were advised to exercise caution as rescue and clearance operations continued.
Details of the Incident
Ojerinde disclosed that the accidents involved the following vehicles:
- Toyota Camry (Grey Color) – Registration KRD 74 GN
- DAF Truck (Blue Color) – Registration SKK 72 ZY
- MACK Truck (White Color) – Registration SMK 621 XR
- Toyota Highlander (Grey Color) – Registration LSD 210 FY
He added that “the injured male victim was promptly rescued and taken to Famobis Hospital by FRSC personnel prior to the arrival of the rescue team.
“There was one male injury reported, but fortunately, no fatalities. The crash severely affected traffic on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
“However, thanks to the quick efforts of TRACE, FRSC, and the police, normalcy was restored, and both lanes now enjoy a free flow of traffic with no further impediments.
“The vehicles involved in the crash were towed by the Ibafo Police Mobile Towing Division (MTD) for further investigation.
“Though the crash initially caused significant disruptions, normal traffic flow has been restored, and there are no ongoing traffic impediments at the scene.”
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