Truck Overturns on Kara Bridge, Disrupts Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Traffic
No Casualties as 18-Tyre Truck Overturns on Kara Bridge
An 18-tyre truck carrying 22 tonnes of cargo overturned on Kara Bridge along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Friday morning, 16 October 2026, after its chassis became damaged, partially obstructing traffic and prompting a recovery operation by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
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The incident occurred on the bridge inward OPIC, on the outward-Lagos carriageway. LASTMA reported no casualties and said the overturned truck occupied one lane, leaving two lanes open to other road users while officials worked to evacuate the vehicle.
Chassis Damage Causes Loaded Truck to Overturn
According to LASTMA’s incident report, the Mack truck overturned after its chassis sustained damage while it was carrying its 22-tonne load.
The incident restricted traffic on a section of Kara Bridge, a major route on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway connecting Lagos with communities and commercial centres along the Lagos–Ogun corridor.
LASTMA disclosed the incident in an update posted on its official X account at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Friday.
The agency confirmed that no casualties had been recorded as of its report. It also said safety measures were in place to manage the scene and limit disruption to other road users.
The cause of the chassis damage was not detailed in the report, and no further technical findings were provided.
LASTMA Activates Recovery Operation
LASTMA said it had activated a Hiab tow truck to evacuate the overturned vehicle and restore normal traffic movement.
While recovery operations continued, officials left two lanes available to motorists. The arrangement allowed traffic to continue through the affected section, although the blocked lane reduced the available road capacity.
The duration of the disruption depended on the time required to secure and remove the truck safely.
LASTMA urged motorists to exercise caution and comply with traffic management instructions around the scene.
Incident Follows Another Truck Accident on Otedola Bridge
The Kara Bridge incident occurred hours after a separate accident involving a 40-foot containerised truck on Otedola Bridge, inward the Old Toll Gate.
In its report on the earlier incident, LASTMA said the container truck overturned after its turntable disconnected from the tractor head, creating a hazard for motorists travelling towards the toll gate.
The accident partially restricted traffic from Berger towards the Old Toll Gate. However, LASTMA subsequently reported that officials had evacuated the truck and container and restored free traffic flow.
The two incidents occurred on the same major expressway corridor within a short period, requiring separate recovery and traffic management operations.
The reports did not establish a connection between the two accidents.
Kara Bridge Remains a Key Transport Link
Kara Bridge forms part of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, an important route for commuters, commercial vehicles and businesses travelling between Lagos and Ogun State.
Traffic incidents on the corridor can affect movement towards residential communities, industrial locations and commercial centres along the route. When heavy-duty vehicles overturn or obstruct a lane, reduced road capacity can slow the movement of other vehicles until recovery operations are completed.
The incident also highlights the role of effective traffic management in limiting disruption after road accidents. Prompt evacuation, clear safety procedures and communication with motorists help reduce the time during which an accident affects traffic.
However, the immediate report does not establish whether the truck’s chassis damage resulted from a mechanical fault, vehicle condition, load-related factors or another cause.
Recovery Efforts Continue as Motorists Face Partial Restrictions
LASTMA said it had deployed recovery equipment and put safety measures in place while leaving two lanes open to motorists. No casualties were reported in the agency’s initial update.
The immediate priority was to remove the overturned truck safely and restore the affected lane. Further information on the completion of the recovery operation was not included in the initial report.
The incident reinforces the importance of timely vehicle maintenance, safe operation of heavy-duty trucks and effective emergency response on busy transport corridors. The cause of the chassis damage, however, remains unconfirmed.
For motorists using Kara Bridge and the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, traffic conditions depend on the completion of the evacuation and the full reopening of the affected section.
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