A fuel-laden tanker exploded on Tuesday night at Otedola Bridge in Lagos, causing panic among residents and motorists as flames engulfed the area.
The fire, which erupted around 8:00 p.m., spread to nearby structures, including a church, a residential building, and a mechanics’ park, leaving emergency responders in a race against time to contain the inferno.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, warning commuters to avoid the area due to a total blockade.
In a post on X, LASTMA stated, “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.”
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also weighed in, saying, “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-tonne DAF Gas Truck with an unknown registration number was navigating the route when the incident occurred.”
LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed that the agency’s Tiger Response Team was on the ground to contain the fire. “The road has been cordoned off, and we advise motorists to take alternative routes,” he said.
Meanwhile, LASTMA raised concerns over reckless motorists attempting to maneuver through the restricted area despite warnings.
“We have received reports that some motorists are recklessly attempting to navigate through the fire incident area, putting their lives at risk. This behavior is extremely hazardous and should be avoided,” the agency cautioned.
As of press time, emergency responders were still battling the inferno, and no casualty figures had been confirmed.
