Two people sustained severe burn injuries on Monday after a diesel-laden tanker fell from Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Lagos State and burst into flames beneath the bridge.
The incident occurred at about 4:10 p.m. on October 19, 2026, causing panic among motorists and residents as thick smoke billowed from the scene. The tanker reportedly plunged from the bridge onto the section beneath it, triggering a fierce inferno that raised fears of further casualties and damage to nearby infrastructure.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, stating that its emergency response team, working alongside other agencies, rescued the two victims from the danger zone. The injured men were subsequently evacuated by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s Rescue Unit to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at Toll-Gate for immediate medical attention.
Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, including personnel from its Alausa and Ikeja stations, were deployed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency and police officers from the Alausa Police Division also participated in the rescue and emergency response operations.
The explosion caused significant traffic congestion around Otedola Bridge and the Berger-bound section of the expressway, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes while emergency operations continued. LASTMA advised road users to approach the area cautiously and obey traffic officials’ instructions.
In a separate statement on Tuesday, October 20, the FRSC disclosed that preliminary findings by its Lagos Sector Command indicated that excessive speed may have caused the crash. The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, consequently ordered a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine any responsibility.
The FRSC reiterated the need for tanker operators to comply with speed limits, maintain their vehicles properly and observe established safety standards when transporting petroleum products. It also warned members of the public against approaching burning tankers or attempting to collect spilled petroleum products, stressing that such actions could result in further casualties.
While initial reports raised concerns about fatalities, subsequent statements from the relevant emergency and road safety authorities confirmed that the two occupants sustained severe injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. The cause of the crash remains subject to further investigation.
