Commuters travelling along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway experienced hours of severe traffic congestion on Wednesday morning after a Mack truck overturned at Otedola Bridge, spilling two 20-foot containers onto the highway.
The incident, which initially began as a minor mechanical problem, quickly escalated into a major road obstruction that paralysed traffic in both directions of the busy expressway.
According to reports, the Mack truck developed a battery-related mechanical fault while on Otedola Bridge inward the Secretariat area. During a private recovery attempt, the truck suddenly overturned, causing the two containerised boxes it was carrying to fall across the roadway.
The fallen containers blocked the highway completely, leading to a massive traffic buildup that stretched as far back as Kara Bridge, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded during the peak morning rush.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) later confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene.
“A high-capacity tow truck was mobilised to the location, while a crane was also dispatched. Our Rescue and Recovery Team was on ground managing traffic and working to remove the obstruction,” the agency stated.
Following coordinated recovery efforts, the containers were eventually removed and the roadway cleared.
LASTMA confirmed that normal traffic flow had been restored.
“The two containerised boxes have been successfully recovered and removed from the roadway. Traffic is moving very fast.
Our officers remain on the ground managing traffic and ensuring smooth vehicular movement,” the statement added.
Authorities also assured motorists that traffic officials would continue monitoring the corridor to prevent further disruptions.
