A deadly tanker explosion on Tuesday night ignited a massive inferno near Otedola Bridge, Lagos, leaving at least two people dead, several others injured, and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
The explosion, which occurred as the tanker attempted to ascend the link road to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, caused widespread panic among motorists. Many abandoned their vehicles and fled to safety, fearing they would be engulfed in the flames.
Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, saying, “The accident was suspected to have occurred when the vehicle was trying to ascend the link road to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by Otedola Bridge. Consequently, the vehicle somersaulted, spilled its entire contents on the road, and fire ignited immediately.”
He added that the full extent of casualties was still being assessed. “The vehicle’s registration number and make are still unknown. However, a total of four buildings, 15 burnt vehicles, including tricycles, an unspecified number of shops, and household properties were lost in the inferno.
“The number of human lives lost is still being quantified, as only two bodies have been recovered. A private hospital was affected, but details of the victims there remain sketchy. More updates will follow as the rescue operation continues,” he stated.
However, the National Emergency Management Agency offered a slightly different casualty report. According to its South West Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, only one person was confirmed dead, while four others sustained injuries.
He also noted that 14 vehicles, four shops, and a commercial storey building were affected.
“One person died, four people were injured, 14 vehicles and four shops were destroyed, while one commercial storey building was affected,” Farinloye said.
The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, further revealed that the fire also spread to a church, an adjoining bungalow, and several vehicles.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as drivers abandoned their cars and ran for safety, with some making abrupt U-turns in a desperate bid to escape the raging fire. Emergency responders, including the fire service, police, and disaster management officials, worked through the night to contain the blaze and assess the damage.
Authorities have urged motorists to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
