A family had a miraculous escape on Friday after a runaway mini truck ploughed into vehicles on the infamous Otedola Bridge in Lagos, causing severe traffic chaos on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Chaos on the Corridor: How the Accident Unfolded
The incident happened around noon on 10 January 2026. Eyewitnesses reported that the truck, heavily loaded with goods, suffered a sudden brake failure. The vehicle veered dangerously out of its lane before slamming into two cars on the bridge.
The force of the impact was so intense that it pushed a black SUV on top of another car, leaving both vehicles with extensive damage. "The truck just lost control and slammed into the cars. People panicked immediately," an eyewitness recounted, describing the terrifying scene.
Emergency Response and Major Traffic Snarl
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) swiftly confirmed the multiple-vehicle accident. In an official statement, they noted the crash occurred "along Berger inward Secretariat."
Authorities rushed to the scene to manage safety and start clearing operations. A significant traffic backlog quickly formed, stretching from Jubilee Estate back to Berger New Garage. The congestion persisted for several hours as emergency responders worked to remove the wreckage.
LASTMA assured the public, stating, "Efforts are currently ongoing for evacuation, and our men are present there to ensure ease of traffic movement." Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were recorded from the crash.
A Notorious Blackspot: Otedola Bridge's Dangerous History
Friday's crash is not an isolated event but the latest in a long, troubling history of accidents on Otedola Bridge. The location is widely considered one of Lagos's most dangerous traffic blackspots.
The bridge has been the site of numerous tragedies and near-misses, often involving heavy-duty vehicles. Common causes cited include:
- Brake failure
- Excessive speeding
- Poor vehicle maintenance
One of the most devastating incidents occurred in June 2018, when a tanker explosion claimed at least 12 lives and destroyed dozens of vehicles. More recently, the bridge has seen a string of serious accidents:
- In January 2025, a multiple-vehicle crash involving trucks left one person dead and three injured.
- In April 2025, a vehicle fell off the bridge, seriously injuring the driver.
- Later in 2025, a truck collided with a commercial bus.
- In December 2025, two containerised trucks crashed, forcing a temporary closure of the route.
While Friday's incident ended without loss of life, it has once again highlighted the persistent safety concerns on this critical transport link. Road safety advocates continue to push for stricter enforcement of regulations and improved monitoring of heavy-duty vehicles using the corridor.
