By Michael Adesanya
Ogun State traffic agency, Trace, has advised motorists to avoid the Lagos–Sagamu end of the Lagos – Ibadan expressway in view of the multiple fatal accident involving a tanker loaded with diesel, which occurred in the wee hours of Saturday.
The accident, which involved close to 40 vehicles occurred after Kara Bridge, around World Oil axis, outbound Lagos, has brought enormous traffic challenge in its wake.
“Motorists are implored to please avoid the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway presently and seek the following alternative routes, while TRACE, FRSC, POLICE and the FIRE SERVICE, intensifies rescue operations to resolve the the traffic conflict,” a statement by Babatunde Akinbiyi, TRACE Corps spokesperson, said.
No fewer than two persons died after a Daf tanker loaded with PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) exploded after Kara Bridge. The accident reportedly occurred at about 1am.
The bridge has witnessed several accident in recent times, as the repair work on the road started about eight years ago by the Federal Government remains inconclusive.
Among the vehicles burnt were two trucks owned by Dangote Industries Limited and used cars, popularly known as Tokunbo, which were in a car mart close to the scene of the accident.
The driver of the petrol-bearing truck and his truck boy were burnt to death in the accident.
A gridlock immediately began, with drivers said to have resorted to driving one way.
As at press time, trucks of the Federal Road Safety Corps had arrived at the accident scene to remove the debris.
TRACE officials advised motorists to explore alternative routes such as:
*Ota-Ifo-Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange-Ijebu/Ode-Benin/Ore Expressway..
* VI-Leeki-Epe-Ijebu/Ode-Benin/Ode Expressway..
* Ikorodu-Itoikin-Ijebu/Ode-Benin/Ore Expressway.