Commuters experienced intense panic on Monday after a Lagos-Ibadan Expressway gridlock as tanker ignites near Otedola Bridge, sending thick smoke across the corridor.
The fuel-laden truck lost control along the downward slope towards Ojota, triggering an immediate spark upon impact with the median barrier.
Flames quickly engulfed the tanker cab, forcing trailing vehicles to reverse to avoid a chain-reaction explosion.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived promptly to tackle the inferno before it reached full capacity.
Meanwhile, traffic controllers cordoned off the affected lanes to establish a safe working perimeter for emergency crews.
Firefighters Contain Inferno to Prevent Massive Explosion
Firefighting units deployed chemical foam compounds to suppress the stubborn chemical blaze beneath the bridge structure.
Paramedics stationed nearby treated minor smoke inhalation cases, confirming zero fatalities from the immediate incident.
Traffic officers diverted northbound vehicles through Alausa, Secretariat, and alternative bypass routes to ease traffic congestion.
“Our response teams stabilized the situation rapidly and prevented secondary damage,” confirmed a senior emergency official at the scene.
Additionally, recovery crews positioned heavy-duty tow trucks to evacuate the charred wreckage immediately after cooling operations finished.
Regulatory Authorities Issue Safety Warnings to Truck Operators
The frequent occurrence of heavy vehicle crashes along the Otedola corridor continues to raise public safety concerns among road users.
Transportation officials urged fleet operators to enforce strict mechanical maintenance and brake inspections before sending trucks onto expressways.
Road safety corps personnel reiterated strict speed limits for petroleum tankers navigating steep highway inclines across Lagos.
Government agencies advised motorists traveling towards Berger to remain patient as crews clear debris off the expressway.
Finally, authorities restored normal vehicular movement after safety inspectors verified the highway structure’s integrity.
