A truck loaded with tomatoes caused panic and massive traffic disruption on Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday morning after it reportedly lost control due to brake failure and rammed into several vehicles.
The crash, which occurred on January 9, sent motorists scrambling for safety as the truck veered off its lane and smashed into cars already navigating the busy bridge.
Eyewitnesses said the articulated vehicle appeared to be descending the bridge at speed before the driver lost control, triggering a chain collision that damaged multiple vehicles.
Although no fatalities were recorded, the incident left several commuters shaken. A family travelling in one of the affected vehicles narrowly escaped death, according to witnesses at the scene.
Emergency responders and traffic officials later arrived to manage the situation and clear the wreckage.
The accident led to severe traffic congestion stretching several kilometres in both directions, with motorists stranded for hours.
Commuters heading towards Ojodu Berger, Ikeja and Magodo were particularly affected, while traffic built up rapidly from the Lagos-Ibadan end of the expressway.
Many motorists abandoned their vehicles, while others resorted to alternative routes through residential areas, worsening congestion across surrounding neighbourhoods.
The latest crash once again draws attention to the notorious safety record of the Otedola Bridge, which has witnessed numerous accidents in recent years, many involving heavy-duty trucks.
The bridge has been the scene of fuel tanker explosions, brake-failure crashes and multiple vehicle pile-ups, some of which resulted in fatalities and widespread destruction.
Despite repeated public outcry, Otedola Bridge remains a major accident hotspot, largely due to speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, brake failure in articulated trucks, and the heavy volume of traffic on the expressway.
Road safety advocates have consistently called for stricter enforcement of truck roadworthiness checks, speed regulation, and the installation of additional safety infrastructure along the corridor.
Friday’s incident has reignited calls for urgent intervention by authorities to prevent another tragedy on the bridge. Many commuters fear it may only be a matter of time before a more devastating accident occurs if lasting safety measures are not implemented.
Read Also: Fatal accident on Otedola bridge in Lagos (photo/video)
