One Dead, properties destroyed in Otedola bridge tanker explosion

Eric Patrick 

A tanker explosion on the Otedola Bridge in Lagos has claimed one life and left three others injured.

The tanker, loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, burst into flames on Tuesday, sending residents and motorists scrambling for safety.

In a video shared on social media and was seen by Thewatch Africa on Wednesday, shows the massive destruction the explosion caused.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the casualty figures in a statement shared on its X handle on Wednesday.

“Three adult male victims with severe burns have been rescued and transferred to Gbagada General Hospital burns unit while the remains of an adult male were also recovered,” LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu said.

“All hands remain on deck to extinguish the flames. Motorists are urged to take alternative routes where possible.”

The aftermath of Otedola Bridge is one of sheer devastation, with the charred remains of vehicles and tricycles scattered across the area.

Thewatch Africa correspondent reports that firefighters are still battling to put out lingering pockets of fire.

The explosion also severely damaged nearby buildings, some barely recognisable—“a testament to the sheer force of the explosion.”

The remains of the gas tanker responsible for the tragedy still lie at the scene—“a stark reminder of the tragedy that unfolded here.”

Police, firefighters, and emergency responders remain on the ground, working tirelessly to manage the crisis and ensure public safety.

Traffic in the area is being managed, but the impact on commuters is undeniable.

Earlier, Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed that the agency’s Tiger Response Team was on the scene, working to control the situation. He stated that the road had been cordoned off and urged motorists to use alternative routes.

In a separate post on X, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the fire had affected nearby structures, including a church, a residential house, and mechanics’ parks near the Otedola Under Bridge, adjacent to CMD Road.

The post read, “A tanker has fallen and caught fire, affecting nearby structures, including a church, residential house, and mechanics’ parks at Otedola Under Bridge, adjacent to CMD Road,” LASTMA stated.

“Fire Rescue teams are currently at the scene, working to extinguish the fire and mitigate the situation.

"The tanker fell on my car and pushed my car away from the road; I quickly ran down from the car when I saw its gas, and the tanker exploded.

“Recovery efforts are ongoing. Due to the incident, there is currently no movement in or out of Otedola Under Bridge, resulting in a complete blockade of the area.”

The agency also expressed concern over reckless driving around the fire scene, warning that such actions put lives at risk.

“Despite repeated warnings and roadblocks, we have received reports that some motorists are recklessly attempting to navigate through the fire incident area, putting their lives at risk.”

In another post on X, The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the tanker accident, which occurred around 8:00 PM on Tuesday.

“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is currently attending to a fire resulting from a tanker accident outward Otedola Bridge, Omole, Lagos at about 20:00 hours.

“The 30-tonne DAF Gas Truck with an unknown registration number is on its way navigating,” the agency said.