LAGOS, Nigeria – A fatal tanker explosion at the popular Otedola Bridge in Lagos State on Tuesday, Mach 11, 2025, left at least two people dead and three others severely injured, with one victim rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.
The incident, which occurred around 8:18 pm, also destroyed 10 vehicles, eight tricycles, and a nearby building, while affecting several structures, including a church, a residential house, and a mechanics’ park.
According to eyewitness accounts, the tragedy unfolded when a 50,000-litre gasoline tanker overturned while attempting to make a turn, sparking an explosion.
The inferno quickly spread, engulfing nearby properties and vehicles before emergency responders could contain it.
Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), described the scene as “catastrophic” in a statement issued, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
He confirmed that emergency teams, including firefighters, security agencies, and medical personnel, worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze and prevent further destruction.
“It was a devastating incident. Our emergency teams responded swiftly, but the fire had already spread rapidly, consuming at least 10 vehicles, eight tricycles, and a building,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
Emergency calls flooded the state’s response lines, prompting the immediate mobilisation of rescue teams from LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the police, and medical units.
Oke-Osanyintolu, who also serves as the Director General of LASEMA, stated that the agency activated a multi-responder plan to manage the crisis. “All hands are on deck to extinguish the flames. Motorists are advised to take alternative routes where possible,” he said.
He added, “We are working to contain the fire. The vehicle carrying gas overturned, which led to the incident. I believe it is a 50,000-litre tanker. However, the operation is still ongoing.”
The explosion has raised concerns about the safety of major transport routes in Lagos, a city frequently plagued by tanker-related accidents. The Otedola Bridge, a critical link between Lagos and neighbouring states, has witnessed similar incidents in the past, prompting calls for stricter safety measures and improved emergency response systems.
While the identities of the deceased remain unknown, authorities have assured the public that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident and prevent future occurrences.
The Lagos State government has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders as they work to clear the scene and restore normalcy to the area.
