Tragedy as eight die in multi-truck collision on Kara Bridge

By Adejayan Gbenga –

No fewer than eight people, including a police inspector, have been confirmed dead in a multiple-vehicle crash involving five articulated trucks on Kara Bridge, inward Mowe, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The tragic accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, causing severe traffic gridlock along the busy route.

Confirming the incident at the scene, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, described it as a “major and avoidable tragedy.” He said the crash involved five articulated vehicles and that several passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“We have a case of multiple accidents at the border between Ogun and Lagos states. Five vehicles were involved, all articulated trucks. Three people have been rescued from the scene, and other agencies are assisting us,” Jimoh said.

The police commissioner revealed that preliminary investigations indicated the crash was caused by a trailer that suffered brake failure, leading to a chain collision involving other vehicles. He emphasized that poor maintenance and recklessness among truck drivers were major causes of such fatal accidents.

“At the beginning, we had a trailer that suffered brake failure, and it is important that everyone in charge of heavy-duty vehicles ensures proper maintenance before hitting the road,” he stated.

Jimoh also confirmed the death of one of his men, a police inspector, who was part of the advance response team deployed to manage the situation. “It’s very unfortunate that we lost one of our police inspectors who came with our advance team to salvage the situation,” he said with grief.

He further warned motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to adhere strictly to traffic rules and road safety standards to prevent future tragedies.