Tanker Explosion On Otedola Bridge Leaves One Dead, Three Injured

A tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge in Lagos has claimed one life and left three others with severe burns.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, caused chaos as residents and motorists scrambled for safety.

The tanker, carrying Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), went up in flames, prompting an emergency response.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the casualties, stating that the injured victims were rushed to the burns unit at Gbagada General Hospital, while the body of a deceased adult male was recovered.

“Three adult male victims with severe burns have been rescued and transferred to Gbagada General Hospital burns unit while the remains of an adult male were also recovered,” LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said.

“All hands remain on deck to extinguish the flames. Motorists are urged to take alternative routes where possible.”

Emergency responders, including LASEMA’s Tiger Response Team, quickly arrived at the scene to control the situation.

It was gathered that the road was cordoned off, and motorists were advised to seek alternative routes.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) also confirmed the incident, revealing that the fire had spread to nearby buildings, including a church, a residential house, and mechanic workshops near CMD Road.

In a statement, LASTMA warned that reckless drivers were attempting to navigate through the fire zone, ignoring safety warnings and roadblocks.

“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,” the statement read.

“Fire Rescue teams are currently at the scene, working to extinguish the fire and mitigate the situation.

“Recovery efforts are ongoing. Due to the incident, there is currently no movement in or out of Otedola Under Bridge, resulting in a complete blockade of the area.”

The agency lamented that “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 described this behavior as extremely dangerous and urged Lagos motorists to cooperate.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reported that firefighting efforts were underway to put out the flames.

“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 it way navigating,” the agency said.

Emergency teams continue to work on containing the fire and ensuring the safety of residents and road users.

KanyiDaily had also reported how two petrol laden tanker ll caught fire on Otedola Bridge in Lagos State.