A devastating fire erupted on the Otedola Bridge in Lagos State, triggered by a tanker explosion that sent residents and motorists fleeing for their lives. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, stating that the blaze ignited after a tanker overturned and caught fire.

In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday evening, LASTMA reported that the fire rapidly spread, engulfing several nearby structures, including a church, a residential building, and a mechanics’ park situated under the Otedola Bridge, near CMD Road.

Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that the fire had spread to a church, a nearby bungalow, and four vehicles. "The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is currently responding to the tanker accident and fire outbreak outward Otedola Bridge, Omole, Lagos, around 8 p.m. Firefighting operations are ongoing, and so far, no casualties have been recorded. Further updates will follow," Adeseye stated.

Tragically, despite initial reports indicating no casualties, subsequent updates confirmed the loss of life and injuries. The Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Territorial Office, Ibrahim Farinloye, reported that one person died and four others sustained injuries in the explosion. Furthermore, fourteen vehicles were destroyed in the inferno. Mr. Farinloye added that the explosion, which occurred around 2030hrs at Otedola Bridge, Lagos, affected one commercial storey building and damaged four shops.

According to Farinloye, the incident occurred when a fully loaded gas tanker fell while trying to access the expressway from Otedola Estate road. Emergency responders, including NEMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the fire service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, were quickly dispatched to the scene to manage the situation.

The prompt response of the fire rescue teams was crucial in containing the blaze and preventing further escalation. Recovery efforts are currently underway. The incident led to a complete blockade of the area, with no movement in or out of the Otedola Under Bridge. Authorities are working diligently to clear the wreckage and restore normalcy to the affected area.