Two burnt as diesel tanker falls from Otedola Bridge, bursts into flames

A diesel-laden tanker fell from Otedola Bridge on Monday afternoon and burst into flames underneath the bridge inward Berger, causing panic and heavy traffic along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, The Sun reports.

The incident involved a 33,000-litre tanker. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said two casualties were recorded.

“A diesel-loaded tanker reportedly fell from Otedola Bridge, caught fire, and was engulfed in flames underneath the bridge inward Berger. Two casualties were recorded, while the incident has resulted in traffic congestion around the affected location,” LASTMA said in a post on X.

It added that firefighters were battling the fire, while its personnel managed traffic around the corridor. “Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when approaching the area and comply with the directives as emergency response operations continue,” it said.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said it received a distress call at about 4:24 pm and deployed its Tiger team to the scene. Its rescue unit extricated the two severely burnt victims and took them to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the tanker was carrying petroleum products from a depot and fell between the inward and outward sections of the bridge. It said firefighters from Alausa and Ikeja stations arrived at 4:16 pm. “The fire was successfully extinguished,” it said, adding that damping-down operations were ongoing to prevent re-ignition.

Further details on the cause, casualties and property damage will be communicated as they are verified. Otedola Bridge has recorded recurring tanker-related fire incidents over the years, raising concerns about fuel haulage safety on the corridor.