A diesel-laden tanker carrying approximately 45,000 litres of fuel fell off Otedola Bridge in Lagos and burst into flames on Monday, prompting a coordinated emergency response by state and federal agencies.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying preliminary reports indicated that the tanker plunged off the bridge before bursting into flames.
Oke-Osanyintolu said two adult males were rescued from the scene and given pre-hospital medical care by paramedics from LASEMA’s Lagos Response Unit and an ambulance team from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
He added that the rescued men were subsequently transported to the Trauma Centre by the Lagos State Ambulance Service for further medical attention.
The permanent secretary said personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the NNPC Fire Service were already at the scene battling the fire when LASEMA activated its emergency response.
According to him, the agency cordoned off the affected area, conducted a rapid risk assessment and provided operational support to the ongoing firefighting and rescue efforts.
Oke-Osanyintolu added that the fire had been brought under control, while dampening operations continued to prevent a possible resurgence.
“The cause of the incident had yet to be established as investigations were ongoing,” he said.
LASEMA advised motorists to avoid the affected corridor and use alternative routes while emergency operations continued.
The agency urged members of the public to exercise caution around the scene as responders worked to secure the area and manage the remaining risks.
FRSC blames speeding for Otedola Bridge tanker fire
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos Sector Command, has attributed a tanker crash and subsequent fire under the Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to speeding.
The lone crash, involving a diesel-laden tanker, occurred on the outward section of the expressway at about 4:10 pm on Monday, according to a statement issued by the Sector Public Education Officer, FRSC Lagos Sector Command, Elizabeth Jayeola.
The statement said the tanker plunged into the underpass beneath Otedola Bridge, triggering a fire. It added that the FRSC rescue unit arrived at the scene at 4:20 pm, five minutes after the incident was reported at 4:15 pm.
The statement partly read, “A lone crash involving a diesel-laden tanker on the outward section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway plunged the tanker into the underpass beneath Otedola Bridge, triggering a raging inferno today, at approximately 4:10 p.m.
“The incident underscores the potentially catastrophic consequences of excessive speed, particularly among operators of heavy-duty vehicles transporting petroleum products.
“The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, confirmed that the crash occurred beneath Otedola Bridge. The FRSC rescue unit arrived promptly at the scene at 4:20 p.m., five minutes after the incident was reported at 4:15 p.m.
“Preliminary findings identified speeding as the reported cause of the incident, which involved a single tanker. Two adult male occupants sustained injuries and were taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for medical attention, while no fatalities were recorded in the initial crash report.
“FRSC personnel worked alongside operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Police and other emergency responders in coordinated efforts to contain the blaze, manage traffic and reduce the risk of further harm to road users and surrounding infrastructure. The incident presented a serious emergency, given the fire involving a petroleum-product tanker beneath a major expressway bridge.
The statement added that reacting to the incident, the FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat stressed that speeding remains a serious threat to road safety, particularly when heavy-duty vehicles are involved.
“A tanker carrying diesel or other petroleum products requires disciplined speed management, adequate following distance, sound vehicle maintenance and strict compliance with road safety regulations. Its considerable mass, braking requirements and hazardous cargo can magnify the consequences of a loss of control or collision.
“The Corps therefore cautions tanker drivers against speeding, reckless manoeuvres and every other practice that compromises vehicle stability and roadworthiness. Drivers must recognise that the responsibility of operating an articulated vehicle extends beyond reaching a destination on schedule; it includes protecting lives, safeguarding property and preventing avoidable environmental and infrastructural damage.
“Fleet operators and tanker owners are equally urged to strengthen driver retraining, supervision, enforce realistic journey schedules, maintain effective vehicle inspection regimes and ensure that their drivers comply with prescribed speed limits and other applicable safety requirements. Commercial pressure must never take precedence over the preservation of human life.
“The FRSC further advises motorists approaching emergency scenes to reduce speed, maintain a safe distance, obey traffic control instructions and avoid obstructing rescue personnel. Members of the public are also cautioned against gathering near burning tankers or attempting to approach the scene to take photographs or videos.
“The Corps reiterates that road safety is a shared responsibility. Preventing another tragedy requires responsible decisions before a vehicle moves, vigilance throughout every journey and prompt cooperation with emergency responders whenever a crash occurs”, the statement quoted him as saying.
