A diesel-laden tanker plunged into the underpass beneath Otedola Bridge on the outward Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday at about 4:10 p.m., triggering a raging inferno. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, said its rescue unit arrived at 4:20 p.m., five minutes after the report at 4:15 p.m., with preliminary findings attributing the lone crash to speeding.
Two adult male occupants sustained injuries and were taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, with no fatalities recorded. FRSC personnel, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASTMA, Police and other emergency responders worked jointly to contain the blaze and manage traffic around the major expressway bridge.
Reacting, Lagos Sector Commander Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat warned that speeding remains a serious threat, especially for heavy-duty vehicles carrying petroleum products, urging tanker drivers to avoid reckless manoeuvres and fleet operators to enforce retraining, realistic schedules and strict vehicle inspection. FRSC also cautioned motorists to reduce speed near emergency scenes and warned the public against gathering near burning tankers to take photos or videos.
