One killed in Kara Bridge multiple accidents; FRSC urges use of alternative routes

One killed in Kara Bridge multiple accidents; FRSC urges use of alternative routes

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, has informed the motoring public that its rescue teams are currently managing the aftermath of multiple road traffic crashes that occurred at Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the early hours of Friday.

The first crash occurred at about 12:05 a.m. on the outbound carriageway towards Ibadan, involving five articulated trucks and one Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the crash resulted from speed violation and loss of control, a statement by the Sector Public Education Officer of Lagos Sector Command, SRC Elizabeth Jayeola, said.

“A total of seven adult males were involved in the crash. One person lost his life, one sustained injuries, while five others escaped unhurt,” the statement said.

“Due to the position of one of the heavily loaded trucks, the body of the deceased is trapped underneath the vehicle, necessitating the deployment of heavy-duty recovery equipment before evacuation can be completed.

“While rescue and recovery operations were ongoing, another crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on the inbound carriageway towards Lagos involving a Mazda commercial bus.

“The lone crash was caused by brake failure, leaving the driver seriously injured. He was promptly rescued by the FRSC emergency response team and taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for medical treatment.

“The FRSC rescue team, LASEMA and other emergency responders are working assiduously to evacuate the crashed vehicles, recover the trapped victim, clear the obstruction, and restore the free flow of traffic.

“The Lagos Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Ganiyu Hamzat, sympathizes with the families of the victims and urges motorists travelling along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to exercise patience, caution and cooperate with traffic management personnel in and around the scene.

“Motorists are strongly advised to use alternative routes where possible to avoid delays from the Kara – Ojodu Berger corridor until recovery operations are concluded.

“Alternative routes include: Motorists travelling outward Lagos towards Ibadan may divert through the Ikorodu-Sagamu route.

“Motorists heading into Lagos are advised to consider alternative entry routes through Lekki-Epe expressway or Ikorodu-Sagamu expressway.

“The Command further reminds all motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles and commercial buses, to ensure that their vehicles are mechanically fit before embarking on any journey. Particular attention should be given to braking systems,  while Drivers are also strongly urged to avoid unnecessary night journeys, especially when visibility is poor due to darkness, rain, or fog. Where night travel is unavoidable, they should reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, avoid dangerous overtaking, and stop to rest whenever they feel fatigued, as poor visibility and driver fatigue significantly increase the risk of road traffic crashes.

“The FRSC remains committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and will continue to work with relevant emergency and traffic management agencies to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.”