Panic at Otedola Bridge as 45,000-litre diesel tanker falls, bursts into flames

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

A diesel-laden tanker carrying approximately 45,000 litres of fuel fell off Otedola Bridge in Lagos and burst into flames on Monday, prompting a coordinated emergency response by state and federal agencies.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying preliminary reports indicated that the tanker plunged off the bridge before bursting into flames.

Oke-Osanyintolu said two adult males were rescued from the scene and given pre-hospital medical care by paramedics from LASEMA’s Lagos Response Unit and an ambulance team from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

He added that the rescued men were subsequently transported to the Trauma Centre by the Lagos State Ambulance Service for further medical attention.

The permanent secretary said personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the NNPC Fire Service were already at the scene battling the fire when LASEMA activated its emergency response.

According to him, the agency cordoned off the affected area, conducted a rapid risk assessment and provided operational support to the ongoing firefighting and rescue efforts.

Oke-Osanyintolu added that the fire had been brought under control, while dampening operations continued to prevent a possible resurgence.

“The cause of the incident had yet to be established as investigations were ongoing,” he said.

LASEMA advised motorists to avoid the affected corridor and use alternative routes while emergency operations continued.

The agency urged members of the public to exercise caution around the scene as responders worked to secure the area and manage the remaining risks.