VANGUARD
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was thrown into chaos on Wednesday morning after a series of multiple vehicle crashes near Kara Bridge caused a total lockdown of the busy route.
The incident paralyzed vehicular movement in and out of Lagos, leaving thousands of commuters and travelers stranded in a seemingly endless gridlock.
The crashes involved several cars, trucks, and commercial buses, resulting in significant damage and injuries. Emergency responders, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and state rescue teams, swiftly mobilized to the scene, where an ongoing evacuation exercise is underway. Details of casualties remain sketchy as of the time of this report.
The timing of the incident has added to the frustration, with many travelers journeying for the Christmas holidays left stuck in the sweltering heat for hours. Tempers flared as stranded passengers expressed anger over the situation.
Some commuters blamed reckless driving and poor traffic management for the incident, while others pointed to the heavy volume of holiday traffic.
Authorities have urged patience, promising to restore order and ensure free movement as soon as possible. In a statement, the FRSC advised motorists to avoid the route and use alternative roads to reduce congestion while the evacuation exercise continues.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a vital artery connecting Lagos to other parts of Nigeria. Its lockdown has had a ripple effect, disrupting businesses and travel plans for thousands of Nigerians at a critical time of the year.
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