RismadarVoice Reporters
October 19, 2026
At least two people have sustained severe burn injuries after a diesel-laden tanker plunged from Otedola Bridge along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and burst into flames on Monday.
The incident occurred on the Berger-bound section of the busy expressway, triggering a massive fire, panic among motorists and significant traffic congestion.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, disclosing that the tanker fell from the bridge and caught fire underneath the structure.
According to LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, two people sustained extensive burn injuries and were rescued by emergency responders.
The injured victims were subsequently evacuated by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s Rescue Unit to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for urgent medical treatment.
The accident prompted a coordinated emergency response involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps, police personnel and other emergency management agencies.
Firefighters from the Alausa and Ikeja fire stations were deployed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to surrounding infrastructure.
The fire caused considerable disruption along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway as motorists attempted to avoid the affected section.
Traffic management officials were also deployed to control vehicular movement and prevent additional accidents while rescue and firefighting operations continued.
Separate reports indicated that the tanker had a capacity of approximately 33,000 litres and was transporting petroleum products before the accident.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reported progress in containing the fire, with personnel conducting further operations to extinguish remaining hotspots and prevent reignition.
Authorities urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution around the affected corridor and comply with instructions from emergency responders.
The immediate cause of the tanker crash had not been established as of the latest available reports.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of petroleum product transportation along major highways, particularly around heavily travelled bridges and densely populated areas.
Further updates are expected from emergency authorities as investigations and recovery activities continue.
