LAGOS— A massive explosion shook the Otedola Bridge in Lagos on Tuesday evening, igniting a raging inferno that consumed multiple vehicles and nearby structures. The blast, which occurred at approximately 8:08 p.m., was traced to a tanker carrying petroleum products.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the fire rapidly spread to a nearby church, an adjacent bungalow, and four vehicles before emergency responders could intervene.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), the Fire Service, and the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) swiftly mobilized to contain the blaze and prevent further devastation.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the tanker, identified as a 30-ton DAF Gas Truck with an unconfirmed registration number, was navigating the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the explosion erupted.
The sudden blast sent shockwaves through the area, prompting panic-stricken motorists to flee. Some drivers made abrupt U-turns, while others abandoned their vehicles in a desperate bid to escape the raging flames.
Speaking on the incident, Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed ongoing firefighting efforts at the scene.
“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is currently attending to a fire resulting from a tanker accident outward of Otedola Bridge, Omole, Lagos, at about 8 p.m.
While firefighting operations are ongoing, there have been no recorded casualties, with further updates to follow,” she stated.
LASEMA’s Head of Public Affairs, Boss Okunbo, acknowledged the explosion but refrained from providing conclusive details pending a preliminary investigation.
“It is some sort of explosion. Awaiting preliminary report. LASEMA’s Tiger Response Team is at the location,” Okunbo said.
As the flames continued to rage, firefighters worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby residential and commercial properties.
The thick plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky were visible from several kilometers away, adding to the atmosphere of chaos and alarm.
This is not the first time Otedola Bridge has witnessed a tanker-related disaster. The busy corridor, known for heavy vehicular movement, has been the site of previous fuel tanker explosions, raising concerns about safety measures for transporting hazardous materials in densely populated areas.
Authorities have urged motorists and residents to avoid the area while emergency services work to bring the situation under control. Traffic has been diverted to alternative routes, causing gridlocks along major adjoining roads.
Despite the swift response from emergency teams, the cause of the explosion remains undetermined. Preliminary investigations are expected to determine whether the tanker was faulty or if any negligence contributed to the incident.
Officials have also hinted at the possibility of enforcing stricter regulations for the movement of fuel tankers within the metropolis to prevent future occurrences.
As of press time, emergency responders remain on high alert, closely monitoring the situation to ensure the fire is fully extinguished and that no secondary explosions occur. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
