A fuel tanker explosion at Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to five others, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed. The tragic incident occurred on March 11, 2025, causing extensive damage to vehicles and nearby structures.
According to eyewitnesses, the petrol-laden tanker lost control, overturned, and erupted into flames. The resulting explosion sparked a massive fire that spread rapidly, destroying multiple vehicles and buildings while sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky, triggering panic among motorists and residents.
Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, quickly arrived to contain the blaze and prevent further destruction. The FRSC reported that two victims were found dead at the scene, while five injured individuals were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
To manage the situation, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and security agencies cleared the wreckage and restored traffic flow. In response to recurring tanker-related accidents, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has reaffirmed its ban on fuel tankers carrying over 60,000 liters, effective March 1, 2025, as a measure to enhance road safety.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the explosion’s cause, with growing calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
