By Olusegun Samuel Precious
Thousands of motorists and commuters have been stranded for hours on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as a worsening gridlock disrupts movement along the major highway.
The traffic crisis, which began early Tuesday, has reportedly lasted for more than 14 hours in some sections, with queues stretching from Fatgbems through Long Bridge, Arepo, Mowe, Berger and the Toll Gate, and spilling into Lagos around Iyana-Oworo and the Third Mainland Bridge.
Some motorists were reportedly forced to spend the night on the highway after becoming trapped in the traffic.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, said the initial gridlock was triggered by a seven-vehicle crash at Kara Bridge.
The vehicles involved included a 40-foot container truck, Toyota Hilux, an interstate bus, Hyundai Odyssey, Sienna, Toyota Highlander and Mitsubishi Hilux.
The container truck was reportedly affected by a mechanical fault and lost control.
The situation was further worsened by a rainstorm and another truck accident around Otedola Bridge, while motorists driving against traffic created additional bottlenecks.
A motorist, Adewale Olumide, who was caught in the gridlock, described the situation as completely blocked, saying he spent more than four hours travelling from Ikorodu to Berger.
Commuters around Ojota, Alausa, Magodo and Berger were also seen trekking long distances to their destinations, as traffic queues reportedly extended beyond 20 kilometres.
Meanwhile, transport fares have surged amid the gridlock.
Commuters reported paying up to 2,000 naira from Iyana-Oworo to Berger, compared with the usual 500 to 700 naira.
Fares from Ibafo to OPIC reportedly rose to 3,000 naira, while passengers travelling from Mowe to Berger paid between 4,000 and 5,000 naira.
One commuter, Yemisi Adedugbe, said she paid 4,000 naira for a trip from Mowe to Berger.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, blamed part of the congestion on motorists driving against traffic and the fatal truck accident.
He said the Lagos and Ogun State governments had deployed a joint enforcement team involving the Police, FRSC, LASTMA and TRACE.
More than 100 traffic and security personnel, alongside tow trucks, have reportedly been deployed along the affected corridor.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, advised motorists to consider alternative routes, including the Ikorodu-Sagamu-Itokin-Ijebu Ode route and the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway through Sango, Ifo and Papa to the interchange.
The authorities said the ongoing rehabilitation of Kara Bridge is necessary and urged motorists to remain patient while efforts continue to ease the congestion.
