A50,000-litre gasoline tanker overturned while making a turn at Otedola Bridge in Lagos State on Tuesday night, sparking an explosion.
According to reports from SaharaReporters, the incident occurred around 8:18 p.m. on Tuesday, though no casualties have been confirmed.
The Director General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency has activated a multi-responder plan to handle the overturned tanker and the resulting fire.
“All hands are on deck to extinguish the flames. Motorists are advised to take alternative routes where possible,” he stated.
He added, “We are working to contain the fire. The vehicle carrying gas overturned, which led to the incident. I believe it is a 50,000-litre tanker. However, the operation is still ongoing.”
Similarly, there was a devastating explosion on June 28, 2018, on the Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Lagos.
A fuel-laden tanker lost reportedly control due to brake failure and overturned, spilling its contents on the road. The spilled fuel ignited, leading to a massive fire that engulfed several vehicles.
At least 12 people were confirmed dead, and several others were injured. About 54 vehicles were burned, including cars, buses, and trucks.
The explosion caused severe traffic disruption and raised serious concerns about road safety and the regulation of fuel tankers.
The incident prompted calls for stricter regulations on the movement of tankers and improved road safety measures. The Otedola Bridge explosion remains one of the most tragic road accidents in Lagos’ history due to the high number of casualties and the extensive damage caused.
