A devastating tanker explosion occurred on the Otedola Bridge in Lagos on Tuesday, resulting in the loss of two lives and injuring three others. The tanker, loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), burst into flames, forcing residents and motorists to flee for safety.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the casualty figure in a statement. According to LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, “the fire destroyed 12 vehicles, eight tricycles, and one building.” Oke-Osanyintolu also stated that the three injured persons were immediately transported to hospitals for medical attention.
Earlier, Oke-Osanyintolu reported that the agency’s Tiger Response Team was on the scene, working to bring the situation under control. He also urged motorists to take alternative routes, as the road had been cordoned off.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) also confirmed the accident in a statement, warning motorists against attempting to navigate through the fire incident area. “Despite repeated warnings and roadblocks, we have received reports that some motorists are recklessly attempting to navigate through the fire incident area, putting their lives at risk,” LASTMA said. “This behaviour is extremely hazardous.”
LASTMA described the situation in a post on X, saying, “A tanker has fallen and caught fire, affecting nearby structures, including a church, residential house, and mechanics’ parks at Otedola Under Bridge, adjacent to CMD Road. Fire Rescue teams are currently at the scene, working to extinguish the fire and mitigate the situation. Recovery efforts are ongoing.”
The Lagos State Fire Service also responded to the explosion, saying in a post on X, “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is currently attending to a Fire resulting from a tanker accident outward Otedola bridge, Omole, Lagos at about 20:00 hours. The 30 tonnes DAF Gas Truck with an unknown registration number is on its way navigating.”
