A tragic multiple-vehicle accident involving five articulated trucks on the Kara Bridge, inward Mowe, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, has claimed the lives of three people, including a police inspector. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, caused heavy traffic and drew an emergency response from multiple agencies.

Police Confirm Three Dead in Kara Bridge Tragedy

Confirming the development, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, described the incident as “deeply unfortunate,” revealing that it involved five heavy-duty vehicles.

“We have a case of multiple accidents at the border between Ogun and Lagos State,” Ishola told journalists at the scene. “Five vehicles were involved — all articulated vehicles. Precisely, three people have been rescued from the scene. As early as 5 a.m., we have been on it, and other agencies are assisting us — LASTMA, the Road Safety Corps, and other security agencies.”

According to Akahi News findings, preliminary investigations indicated that one of the trailers suffered brake failure, triggering a chain reaction that led to the fatal crash.

Fallen Officer Among the Victims

Commissioner Ishola also confirmed that one of the deceased was a police inspector who had been part of an advance rescue team dispatched to the scene shortly after the accident occurred.

“It’s very unfortunate that we lost one of our police inspectors who came with our advance team to salvage the situation,” he said with visible emotion.

The identity of the deceased officer has not yet been disclosed, as authorities are notifying the family before making a public announcement.

Cause of the Accident: Negligence and Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Ishola emphasised that the crash could have been avoided if proper vehicle maintenance had been carried out, noting that brake failure remains one of the leading causes of articulated truck accidents on Nigerian highways.

“At the beginning, we have a trailer that failed brake, and it is important that everybody in charge of their vehicle ensures proper maintenance,” he added.

He issued a stern warning to motorists — especially truck drivers — urging them to desist from reckless driving and to adhere strictly to road safety regulations.

“We want road users, especially those driving articulated vehicles, to stop this kind of recklessness. If they are not reckless in their driving habit, we won’t have this kind of accident,” the commissioner warned.

Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Investigation

As of press time, Akahi News gathered that a coordinated rescue operation was still ongoing, involving officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Nigeria Police Force.

Traffic along the busy corridor was temporarily diverted as emergency responders worked to clear the wreckage and restore normal vehicular movement.

Eyewitnesses told Akahi News that several commuters were trapped for hours, while others sustained varying degrees of injury before being taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Road Safety Appeal

Authorities are once again urging transport unions, fleet operators, and logistics companies to prioritise routine maintenance, driver training, and strict compliance with roadworthiness standards to avert similar tragedies.

The Kara Bridge corridor, a known accident hotspot, has recorded multiple crashes in recent years, largely due to driver fatigue, reckless overtaking, and mechanical failure.

The death of a police officer in the line of duty underscores the dangers faced by emergency responders who risk their lives to save others. As investigations continue, Nigerians are once again reminded of the need for vigilance, discipline, and responsibility on the highways.

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