At least two unidentified persons have been burnt to death in a devastating tanker explosion at the Otedola Under-Bridge in Lagos State on Tuesday night.
Three others sustained severe burns, with one of the victims rushed to an undisclosed hospital.
The incident occurred when a 50,000-litre gasoline tanker, attempting to make a turn, overturned and erupted into flames. The inferno quickly spread, consuming 10 vehicles, eight tricycles, and a nearby building before emergency responders were able to contain it.
The blaze also affected several structures in the area, including a church, a residential house, and a mechanics’ park.
Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), described the scene as “catastrophic” in a statement on Wednesday.
“It was a devastating incident. Our emergency teams responded swiftly, but the fire had already spread rapidly, consuming at least 10 vehicles, eight tricycles, and a building,” Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu said.
Emergency response teams, including LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASTMA, the police, and medical teams, were swiftly mobilized to manage the incident. Calls to emergency lines prompted the rapid deployment of resources to contain the fire and prevent further destruction.
Earlier reports had confirmed that the tanker had overturned while making a turn at the Otedola Bridge around 8:18 p.m. on Tuesday. The explosion sparked concerns, though no fatalities were confirmed at that point.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu had previously stated that a multi-agency response plan was activated to address the situation and urged motorists to avoid the area. Emergency operations are ongoing as authorities continue efforts to fully contain the blaze.
