Diesel Tanker Falls Under Otedola Bridge, Injuring Two in Lagos

A diesel tanker carrying approximately 33,000 litres of fuel fell from Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday, igniting a blaze that injured two men. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the event, stating its team was deployed after a distress signal arrived at 4:24 p.m. LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, explained that the vehicle dropped from the bridge deck before catching fire beneath it. The two adult male occupants sustained second- and third-degree burns, were stabilised on site, and were then transported to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for further care.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) identified excessive speed as the primary cause in its preliminary findings. FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed noted that no fatalities were recorded initially, though the two injured men required hospitalisation. The FRSC rescue unit reached the location at 4:20 p.m., shortly after the incident was logged at 4:15 p.m. Mohammed described the crash as a cautionary tale regarding the handling of heavy-duty vehicles loaded with hazardous cargo on busy public infrastructure.

Multiple agencies collaborated to manage the emergency. Firefighters from the Alausa and Ikeja stations of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at 4:16 p.m. to extinguish the flames and monitor residual hotspots. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) controlled traffic flow and assisted in extracting the victims from the danger zone. Margaret Adeseye, Controller-General of the fire service, advised drivers to proceed carefully near active emergency zones and follow responder directives.

The crash happened on the outward lane of the expressway, causing drivers to detour around the area. Although speeding was cited as the initial trigger, the FRSC ordered a deeper investigation into the specific circumstances. The coordinated effort involved the FRSC, LASTMA, police, and other responders working together to stop the blaze from reaching adjacent structures and property.