Severe traffic gridlock has paralyzed sections of the crucial Lagos-Ibadan Expressway following two separate road accidents on major bridges. The incidents, which occurred on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, have caused extensive delays for motorists traveling between Lagos and the southwestern hinterland.
Two Critical Crash Sites Cause Chaos
The first accident happened on the Otedola Bridge, inward Berger, and involved a collision of five vehicles. Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) swiftly arrived at the scene. Emergency responders worked to secure the area and manage the disrupted traffic flow. The congestion from this crash was so severe that it stretched back to the Ojota Bridge, creating a long queue of stranded vehicles.
In a separate but simultaneous incident, a more serious collision occurred on the Kara Bridge, inward Opic. This accident involved eight vehicles, further compounding the traffic crisis on the busy expressway. LASTMA confirmed that tow trucks were deployed to the Kara Bridge site to remove the disabled vehicles from the road. Officers were on the ground directing traffic in an attempt to alleviate the gridlock.
Kara Bridge: A Recurring Nightmare
The recent crash on Kara Bridge adds to a tragic history of accidents at that location. The bridge, which crosses the Ogun River at the boundary between Lagos and Ogun states, has witnessed several fatal incidents in recent years.
In October, a devastating multi-vehicle collision on the same Kara Bridge claimed at least six lives, including that of a police inspector. That accident involved several trucks, one of which was a fuel tanker. Eyewitness accounts described a truck veering off the road, crashing through the bridge's brick barricade, and breaking apart, with the cab plunging into the Ogun River below. LASTMA had confirmed eight casualties from that October incident but provided no further details. A video released by the agency showed the grim scene of damaged trucks and casualties.
LASTMA also noted that a towing vehicle sent to clear that October crash was itself damaged during the recovery operation. The gridlock that followed was so intense that it forced some desperate motorists to drive against traffic to escape.
Immediate Consequences and Commuter Exploitation
The dual accidents on 23 December created immediate and severe consequences for travelers. The resulting gridlock was massive, disrupting the movement of thousands of people and goods.
Commercial drivers were reported to have exploited the situation by hiking fares dramatically. For the Berger-Oshodi route, commuters were charged between ₦2,000 and ₦2,500, a significant increase from the normal fare range of ₦1,000 to ₦1,200. This price gouging added financial strain to the already stressful travel conditions.
The collision on Kara Bridge occurred less than 24 hours after another truck accident on the Otedola Bridge, highlighting persistent safety issues on Nigeria's busiest road corridors. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) marshals were also present to assist in managing the situation and aiding in vehicle recovery.
LASTMA continues to advise motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving, especially on these high-traffic bridges. The agency reiterated its warning on social media, stating, "Tow trucks are on the ground to move the vehicles off the road, and our officers are on the scene managing the traffic situation. Please drive with caution always."
