A chaotic scene unfolded in Lagos State on Wednesday morning, when a container-laden truck became ensnared beneath an overhead billboard near the Lekki Link Bridge, heading toward Alexandra Roundabout.
The incident, which occurred around 5:30 am, has brought traffic to a standstill in the upscale Ikoyi and Lekki areas, crippling one of the city’s busiest routes. With the truck occupying approximately 85% of the roadway, vehicular movement has been rendered impossible, leaving motorists and commuters stranded for hours.
Emergency Response Efforts Intensify
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) swiftly mobilized to address the crisis, with emergency responders working tirelessly to free the trapped vehicle.
LASTMA spokesman Adebayo Taofiq confirmed to Channels Television that a welder has been enlisted to dismantle parts of the billboard’s iron framework and other barriers holding the truck in place. “Efforts are ongoing to remove the damaged structure and restore access,” Taofiq stated, emphasizing the urgency of the operation. The road remains temporarily cordoned off to ensure safety and facilitate the rescue process.
Admiralty Way Closure Adds to Motorists’ Woes
Compounding the situation, traffic authorities have shut down Admiralty Way inbound toward Lekki, a critical artery for commuters in the area. According to LASTMA, the truck’s attempt to navigate beneath the low-hanging billboard led to its severe entanglement, necessitating the intervention of a technical specialist.
This expert is currently engaged in precision-cutting to disentangle the vehicle from the structure. The expressway closure, while disruptive, is deemed essential to protect both the rescue team and road users during the complex extraction.
Impact on Commuters and Businesses
The gridlock has left early risers and workers heading to their offices in a frustrating bind, with no immediate resolution in sight.
The Lekki and Ikoyi districts, known for their bustling commercial activity and affluent residences, are experiencing significant economic ripple effects as the traffic snarl persists.
LASTMA has issued an apology for the inconvenience, assuring the public that normal traffic flow will resume as soon as the operation concludes. “We regret the disruption and are working diligently to resolve this,” Taofiq added.
This incident underscores ongoing challenges in Lagos, where infrastructure constraints and heavy vehicle traffic frequently collide. The Lekki Link Bridge and Admiralty Way are vital lifelines for the city’s residents, and such disruptions highlight the need for improved road safety measures and structural oversight. As Lagos continues to grow as a commercial hub, authorities may face increasing pressure to address these recurring bottlenecks.
