Truck overturns on Otedola Bridge, triggers heavy traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Commuters on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway experienced severe traffic congestion on Wednesday after a Mack truck overturned at Otedola Bridge, spilling two 20-foot containers onto the highway.

The incident, which initially began as a mechanical fault, escalated when the truck overturned during a private recovery attempt, blocking both sides of the busy road.

The obstruction paralysed vehicular movement along the corridor, with traffic stretching as far back as Kara Bridge.

However, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said the containers had been successfully removed and normal traffic flow restored.

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said, “The two containerised boxes have been successfully recovered and removed from the roadway. Traffic is moving very fast. Our officers are still on the ground managing traffic and ensuring smooth vehicular movement.”

LASTMA explained that the truck developed a battery-related mechanical fault while travelling inward Otedola Bridge toward the Secretariat.

According to the agency, the situation worsened when the vehicle overturned during an attempted private recovery, causing the containers to fall onto the roadway and obstruct traffic in both directions.

The agency said it deployed a high-capacity tow truck while a crane was mobilised to assist with the recovery operation.

LASTMA added that its Rescue and Recovery Team was also at the scene to facilitate vehicle removal and manage traffic until the highway was cleared.

Authorities assured motorists that the affected section of the expressway has now been reopened and traffic movement fully restored.