Two People Suffer Severe Burns as Diesel Tanker Catches Fire Under Lagos’ Otedola Bridge

Two people sustained severe burn injuries after a diesel-laden tanker fell from Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and caught fire beneath the bridge, triggering an emergency response and traffic disruption.

The incident occurred at about 4:10 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, on the section of the expressway around Otedola Bridge, inward Berger, Lagos State.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) initially reported that two casualties had been recorded following the incident. Subsequent reports confirmed that the two victims suffered severe burns and were rescued by emergency responders.

The injured victims were evacuated by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s Rescue Unit to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for immediate medical attention.

How the tanker caught fire

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the crash involved a diesel-loaded tanker travelling along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The agency said the tanker plunged into the underpass beneath Otedola Bridge before bursting into flames. Preliminary findings by the FRSC attributed the crash to speeding, although further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately available.

The fire created a major emergency because of the tanker’s diesel cargo and its location beneath a busy expressway bridge.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service deployed firefighters from its Alausa and Ikeja stations after receiving a distress call at approximately 4:09 p.m. The team arrived shortly afterwards and began efforts to contain the blaze.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby infrastructure or causing further injuries.

Two victims rescued and taken to hospital

Emergency responders rescued the two victims from the scene and arranged their immediate evacuation for medical treatment.

LASTMA said its emergency response team worked alongside other agencies during the operation. The victims were taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate, where they were admitted for treatment.

The operation involved the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, FRSC, Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency and police officers from the Alausa Police Division.

The coordinated response was aimed at rescuing the victims, containing the fire and reducing the risk of further harm to road users and people in the surrounding area.

Fire causes traffic congestion around Otedola Bridge

The tanker fire caused significant traffic congestion around the affected section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as emergency workers battled the blaze.

LASTMA deployed personnel to manage traffic and guide motorists away from the affected corridor while firefighting and rescue operations continued.

Motorists approaching the area were advised to exercise extreme caution, obey traffic officials and follow instructions from emergency responders.

The incident also prompted some motorists to reroute to avoid the affected section of the expressway, contributing to traffic delays around the Berger-bound corridor.

FRSC warns tanker operators against speeding

Following the incident, the FRSC reiterated the dangers of excessive speed, particularly among drivers operating heavy-duty vehicles transporting petroleum products.

The agency noted that crashes involving tankers can have serious consequences because of the vehicles’ weight, braking requirements and potentially hazardous cargo.

It urged tanker drivers to observe speed limits, maintain their vehicles properly and avoid reckless manor oeuvres that could endanger other road users.

Fleet operators were also encouraged to strengthen driver supervision, ensure regular vehicle inspections and priorities safety over pressure to meet delivery schedules.

The FRSC further advised motorists to slow down when approaching accident scenes, maintain a safe distance and avoid obstructing emergency personnel.

Fire service continues safety appeal

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has repeatedly urged members of the public to exercise caution around emergencies involving burning vehicles and petroleum products.

Such incidents can pose serious risks to motorists, pedestrians and nearby properties, particularly when fuel or other flammable materials are involved.

Authorities have advised road users not to gather near burning tankers to take photographs or videos and to follow official instructions during emergency operations.

The circumstances surrounding the Otedola Bridge crash remain an important reminder of the need for responsible driving, proper vehicle maintenance and effective emergency coordination.

The two victims were receiving medical attention following their rescue. Further verified information about their conditions and the full extent of the damage had not been established in the reports available at the time of publication.

Source: Sahara Reporters, Channels Television, TheCable, Premium Times and the Federal Road Safety Corps.