One killed as four vehicles crash on Kara Bridge

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that four vehicles were involved in the early morning accident on Kara Bridge, inward Mowe-Ibafo.

The accident, which was caused by brake failure, disrupted vehicular movement on the bridge.

LASEMA, however, responded promptly by sending its Response Team.

Explaining in a statement, the Head of Public Affairs, LASEMA, Afolabi Olawale,
on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the LASEMA Agency’s Response Team was deployed at 05:46hrs following reports of a truck accident obstructing the corridor.

“On arrival, responders found a truck laden with bags of monosodium glutamate which had fallen on its side across the carriageway, obstructing approximately 75 per cent of the road inward Mowe-Ibafo.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident was caused by a mechanical failure, specifically brake failure, which led the driver to lose control and the vehicle to overturn.

“The impact triggered severe traffic congestion and resulted in a secondary collision involving four other vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, a mini truck conveying paints, a flatbed truck loaded with imported plywood, and another fully loaded truck. As a result of the secondary impact, paint and wooden sheets were spilled across the roadway.”

He disclosed that an adult male was found trapped beneath the overturned truck and was confirmed dead at the scene, with two others sustaining minor injuries.

The body was handed to the Federal Road Safety Corps for evacuation.

Oke Osanyintolu further stated that to safeguard road users, the incident area was immediately secured, and traffic management measures were activated to minimise the risk of further incidents and to ease vehicular movement.

” Recovery operations were commenced with the support of two private tow trucks, working to evacuate the affected vehicles and clear the obstruction.

“The operation is being jointly coordinated by the LASEMA Response Team, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority,” Oke -Osanyintolu stated.

Recovery efforts are currently ongoing to remove the vehicles, clear the spilled contents, and restore full vehicular movement along the affected corridor.

LASEMA advised motorists to exercise patience, adhere to diversions and instructions from traffic officials on ground, and maintain safe driving speeds, particularly around Kara Bridge.

Oke-Osanyintolu commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“We also appreciate the professionalism of all responders and the cooperation of road users during the operation.

“LASEMA remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work with sister agencies to ensure prompt and effective emergency response across the State,” he concluded.