There was panic among motorists and commuters on Tuesday evening after a tanker explosion caused a massive fire on Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The incident, which happened around 7 p.m., sent thick flames and smoke into the sky, as shown in multiple videos shared on social media.
While the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be confirmed, several eyewitnesses claimed it was triggered by a petrol tanker accident.
An X user, Tonye Oliver, wrote, “Ongoing tanker fire at Otedola Bridge, this is a major disaster!!”
Another user, Pamilerin Adegoke, warned others to avoid the area, saying, “Please avoid the bridge, heavy fire right now.”
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Nosa Okunbor, said emergency responders were already at the scene.
“Some sort of explosion. Awaiting preliminary report. LASEMA’s Tiger Response Team at the location,” Okunbor stated.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, also assured that efforts were ongoing to control the fire.
“Our team is on the scene working to bring the situation under control. The road has been cordoned off to prevent further accidents, and we advise motorists to use alternative routes,” he said.
As of the time of this report, there were no confirmed casualties, but emergency services remained on high alert to prevent the fire from spreading.
Motorists and residents have been urged to stay away from the area while responders work to contain the situation.
