Two people were confirmed dead early Thursday following a diesel tanker explosion along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos. The incident occurred at the Oto-Ijanikin area, close to the Lagos State University of Education.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the tanker lost control while trying to overtake another vehicle, crashed, and immediately went up in flames. The explosion claimed the lives of the driver and an adult female who was in the vehicle.
LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr Adebayo Taofiq, said preliminary investigations pointed to excessive speed as the cause of the accident. He explained that the vehicle veered off the road during the overtaking attempt, leading to the fatal inferno.
LASTMA officials on duty quickly moved in to secure and cordon off the affected area to prevent further accidents. Emergency agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Ijanikin Police Division, were also alerted for immediate response.
In a crucial safety move, LASTMA officers stopped members of the public from scooping spilled diesel from the scene, an action that could have caused additional explosions and loss of lives.
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After the fire was successfully put out, the burnt tanker was evacuated to ease traffic and remove any further danger, while the FRSC handled the evacuation of the victims’ remains.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the tragedy as painful and preventable. He urged drivers of tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles to obey traffic rules, avoid speeding, and prioritise safety at all times.
He also warned members of the public against approaching accident scenes to collect spilled petroleum products, stressing that the agency remains committed to protecting lives and ensuring road safety across Lagos.
