FRSC issues advisory as multiple crashes trigger gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) has advised motorists intending to use the Kara bridge section of Lagos -Ibadan expressway to seek alternative routes as a result of multiple road crashe that have rendered the section of the road impassable.

The FRSC said this as it revealed that its operatives and other agencies have been battling to clear gridlock at Kara bridge since the early hours of Friday.

The Lagos Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Sector Public Education Officer, SRC Elizabeth Jayeola.

He said that the first crash occurred at about 12:05 a.m. on the outbound carriageway towards Ibadan, and involved five articulated trucks and one Toyota Sienna.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the crash resulted from speed violation and loss of control.

“A total of seven adult males were involved. One person died, one sustained injuries, while five others escaped unhurt,” he added.

He noted that because of the position of one of the heavily loaded trucks, the body of the deceased was trapped underneath the vehicle, which necessitated deployment of heavy-duty recovery equipment before evacuation could be completed.

According to him, while rescue and recovery operations were ongoing, another crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on the inbound carriageway towards Lagos, involving a Mazda commercial bus.

“The lone crash was caused by brake failure. The driver was seriously injured.

“He was promptly rescued by the FRSC emergency response team and taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for treatment,” he said

Hazmat said that the FRSC rescue team, LASEMA and other emergency responders, are working assiduously to evacuate the crashed vehicles, recover trapped victim, clear the obstruction and restore free flow of traffic.

He sympathised with families of the victims and urged motorists travelling along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic personnel at the scene.

“Motorists are strongly advised to use alternative routes where possible, to avoid delays from the Kara – Ojodu-Berger corridor until recovery operations are concluded.

“Motorists travelling out of Lagos towards Ibadan may divert through the Ikorodu-Sagamu route.

“Those heading into Lagos are advised to consider alternative entry routes via the Lekki-Epe Expressway or the Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway,” he said.

He urged motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles and commercial buses, to ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on any journey.

“Particular attention should be given to braking systems; Drivers are also strongly urged to avoid unnecessary night journeys, especially when visibility is poor due to darkness, rain, or fog,” he said

The FRSC urged motorists to reduce speed limit where night travel is unavoidable, maintain safe distance, avoid dangerous overtaking, and stop to rest whenever tired.

According to him, poor visibility and fatigue significantly increase the risk of road crashes.

(NAN)