Deadly Tanker Explosion Rocks Otedola Bridge in Lagos | Two Dead, Significant Damage Reported

 

On the night of Tuesday, March 11, 2025, a catastrophic tanker explosion occurred on Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, claiming the lives of at least two unidentified individuals and causing widespread destruction. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital, resulted in the recovery of two charred bodies, the destruction of four buildings, and the burning of 15 vehicles, including tricycles. This tragic event has once again highlighted the recurring danger of tanker accidents on one of Lagos’ busiest thoroughfares.

Details of the Otedola Bridge Explosion

The explosion took place at approximately 8:08 p.m. on Tuesday when a 30-tonne DAF gas truck, navigating the link road to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, reportedly lost control and overturned. According to the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the vehicle somersaulted while attempting to ascend the bridge, spilling its highly flammable contents onto the road. The spilled gas ignited almost immediately, triggering a massive fireball that engulfed the surrounding area.

Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were swiftly deployed to the scene. Despite their efforts, the fire spread rapidly, consuming nearby structures and vehicles. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Director, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed that the blaze affected a church, an adjoining bungalow, and several vehicles, exacerbating the scale of the disaster.

LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu reported that two charred remains were recovered from the scene, while four other individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals, including the Gbagada General Hospital burns unit, for urgent medical attention. The exact identities of the deceased and injured remain unknown as investigations continue.

Extent of the Damage

The explosion’s impact was devastating, with significant property damage reported in addition to the loss of life. Four buildings, including a church and a residential house, were razed by the inferno. Additionally, 15 vehicles, comprising cars, tricycles, and other forms of transport, were completely destroyed. The fire also spread to a mechanics’ park and nearby shops, causing further economic losses for local business owners.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) noted that the incident led to a complete blockade of Otedola Bridge, halting all vehicular movement in and out of the area. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes as emergency teams worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and clear the wreckage. The road was cordoned off to facilitate recovery efforts and ensure public safety.

Response from Emergency Services

The response to the explosion was swift and coordinated. LASEMA’s Tiger Response Team, alongside firefighters and security personnel, worked through the night to contain the fire and prevent further destruction. Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu described the scene as “catastrophic,” emphasizing the scale of the challenge faced by responders. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service deployed two fire engines and crew members to combat the blaze, which was brought under control after several hours of intense firefighting efforts.

CSP Hundeyin confirmed that by Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the fire had been fully extinguished, and traffic flow on the bridge was restored. Police officers remained on the scene to secure the area and assist with post-fire activities, including the ongoing investigation into the cause of the accident.

Eyewitness Accounts and Community Impact

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the explosion unfolded. Motorists and residents near Otedola Bridge scrambled to safety, with some abandoning their vehicles in fear of being trapped in the inferno. One survivor, interviewed by local media, recounted how the tanker fell and exploded shortly after pushing his car off the road, allowing him to escape just in time. “The tanker fell on my car, pushed it away from the road. I quickly ran down from the car when I saw it was gas, and then it exploded,” he said, expressing gratitude for his survival.

Local residents and business owners were left reeling from the destruction. A hairstylist, Blessing Sani, reported losing her shop, including valuable equipment and inventory worth over N10 million, in the fire. Similarly, Tola Kareem, a shop owner, narrowly escaped with her four children and an apprentice, but lost two shops and a Camry vehicle to the blaze. “I have two shops, which I just restocked yesterday. Everything is gone,” she lamented.

Historical Context and Recurring Incidents

The Otedola Bridge explosion is not an isolated event. The bridge, a critical link on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has been the site of multiple tanker accidents in recent years. In June 2018, a petrol tanker explosion on the same bridge claimed at least nine lives and destroyed 54 vehicles, underscoring the persistent risks associated with transporting flammable materials on this route. Another incident in October 2020 saw a tanker explosion that razed multiple vehicles, though no casualties were reported.

These recurring accidents have raised concerns about road safety, vehicle maintenance standards, and the adequacy of emergency response measures in Lagos. Analysts point to factors such as poor road conditions, inadequate driver training, and the lack of stringent regulations for transporting hazardous materials as contributing to the frequency of such incidents.

Ongoing Investigations and Calls for Action

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the explosion. Preliminary findings suggest that the tanker’s loss of control may have been due to mechanical failure or driver error, but further details, including the vehicle’s registration number and ownership, remain unknown. The investigation will also assess whether safety protocols for transporting gas were followed and whether additional measures could have prevented the tragedy.

The incident has reignited calls for improved road safety measures and stricter regulations for tanker operations in Nigeria. Community leaders and residents are urging the government to address the systemic issues that contribute to such accidents, including the need for better road infrastructure, regular vehicle inspections, and enhanced training for drivers handling hazardous materials.

Broader Implications for Lagos

The Otedola Bridge explosion underscores the broader challenges facing Lagos, a megacity with a population exceeding 20 million. The city’s rapid urbanization and heavy reliance on road transport have strained its infrastructure, leading to frequent traffic congestion and accidents. The economic impact of such incidents is significant, with losses in property, livelihoods, and productivity affecting both individuals and the broader economy.

As Lagos continues to grow, ensuring the safety of its residents and infrastructure remains a critical priority. The government’s response to this incident, including any policy changes or investments in safety measures, will be closely watched as a test of its commitment to addressing these challenges.

Conclusion

The tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge on March 11, 2025, has left a trail of devastation, with two lives lost, four buildings destroyed, and 15 vehicles burnt. The swift response from emergency services mitigated further damage, but the incident has exposed ongoing safety concerns on one of Lagos’ busiest routes. As investigations proceed and the community begins to recover, there is a pressing need for comprehensive measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

For the latest updates on this developing story and efforts to improve road safety in Lagos, stay informed through credible news sources. The Otedola Bridge explosion serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to protect lives and property in Nigeria’s economic hub.