A tragic incident occurred on the Otedola Bridge in Lagos, where a tanker explosion has claimed the life of at least one individual and left three others injured. The explosion took place on Tuesday when the tanker, which was carrying Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, erupted in flames, creating chaos as residents and motorists rushed to safety.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, provided an official statement confirming the casualty figures. He reported that three adult male victims suffered severe burns and have been rescued and transported to the burns unit at Gbagada General Hospital. Tragically, the remains of another adult male were recovered from the scene.
Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized that all available resources are being deployed to extinguish the flames and manage the situation effectively. He urged motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid the affected area, as the road has been cordoned off for safety and rescue operations.
Earlier, he mentioned that LASEMA’s Tiger Response Team was promptly dispatched to the scene to mitigate the disaster and bring the situation under control. Their quick response is crucial in preventing further harm and ensuring public safety.
The explosion not only resulted in casualties but also caused significant damage to nearby structures. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the fire impacted several buildings, including a church, residential houses, and mechanics’ parks located at the Otedola Under Bridge, adjacent to CMD Road. Emergency responders were on-site to manage the situation, providing assistance and ensuring that the fire did not spread further.
In a statement posted on X, LASTMA detailed the extent of the damage caused by the tanker fire, highlighting the urgent need for emergency services to address both the fire and the structural impacts on the community.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials. Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of the public and to restore normalcy in the affected areas. Community members are advised to stay informed and heed warnings from emergency services as the situation develops.
