Fire Service Intervenes As 45,000-litre Diesel Tanker Overturns On Lagos Bridge

Fire service intervenes as 45,000-litre diesel tanker overturns on Lagos bridge Lagos, Nigeria Emergency responders rushed to the Tincan Liverpool Bridge in the Apapa area of Lagos after a 45,000-litre diesel tanker overturned early Monday morning, spilling highly flammable fuel and triggering a dangerous scramble by locals trying to collect the product. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service joined traffic and emergency agencies at the scene to salvage the overturned tanker and neutralise the spilled diesel, preventing a secondary fire or explosion. Officials said the tanker was brought under control and the road has since been reopened after the contents were managed safely by fire crews. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that emergency protocols were activated, urging members of the public to exercise EXTREME CAUTION around the hazardous scene. Footage circulating on social media showed residents and passersby gathering with containers and jerrycans beneath the bridge to collect the leaking diesel a practice authorities repeatedly warn is extremely dangerous due to the risk of fire, explosion, and life-threatening injuries. LASEMA and government officials stressed that scooping spilled fuel or using any open flame near the scene could trigger a catastrophic incident and urged motorists to use alternate routes while recovery efforts continue. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) initially cordoned off the bridge and used counter-flow traffic control to manage vehicles around the cleanup operations. Police and other security agencies supported efforts to keep the public at bay and ensure safety Officials and Lagos leaders emphasised that while no major fire occurred, fuel tanker incidents remain a persistent risk in Nigeria, with past tragedies linked to fuel scooping resulting in scores of casualties. Residents were urged to prioritise personal safety and obey emergency instructions.