A pedestrian bridge located at the Alapere Ketu Estate Gate along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway collapsed on Thursday night after being struck by a truck.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the need for greater patience on the roads.
The accident occurred around 11 pm, when a convoy of 12 trucks was attempting to pass under the bridge.
The first ten trucks passed without incident, but the eleventh truck, carrying a large container, misjudged its height and collided with the bridge, causing significant damage.
Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, while speaking to journalists confirmed the incident and attributed it to the driver’s impatience. He further commended the prompt response of emergency services in clearing the debris and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic.
“There will be an easy flow of traffic in some minutes now,” Giwa assured. “No casualty was recorded in the accident.”
Bakare Oki, the acting General Manager of the Lagos State Transportation Management Authority and a first responder at the scene, echoed Giwa’s call for patience and responsible driving.
“This is yuletide season and we understand that people are often in a haste,” Oki said. “But patience is key whenever you’re on the road, not just because of your safety alone but because of the safety of other road users.”
