Panic gripped motorists on Monday evening as a diesel-laden tanker fell off Otedola Bridge and burst into flames on the Berger-bound lane of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, confirmed the incident, saying it received a distress call at about 4:24 p.m. and immediately deployed its Tiger Response Team to the scene.
According to LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the tanker, carrying approximately 45,000 litres of diesel, plunged off the bridge before exploding underneath.
Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the NNPC Fire Service, battled to contain the inferno, while LASEMA cordoned off the area and conducted rapid risk assessment to prevent a resurgence.
Two adult males were rescued from the scene. They were given pre-hospital care by LASEMA’s Response Unit and Federal Road Safety Corps paramedics before being transported to the Trauma Centre by the Lagos State Ambulance Service, LASAMBUS.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, said the explosion caused severe gridlock from Ikeja to the Ojodu-Berger corridor, and advised motorists to use alternative routes.
LASEMA said the fire has been brought under control and dampening operations are ongoing. The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.
Otedola Bridge remains a notorious blackspot for tanker accidents along the expressway.
