A serious safety incident unfolded in Lagos on Sunday morning after a diesel tanker overturned on Liverpool Bridge in the Apapa area, drawing crowds of residents who risked their lives to scoop fuel from the fallen vehicle.
The tanker accident on Apapa Bridge occurred in the early hours of January 19 and immediately disrupted traffic along the busy port access route.
Following the incident, large volumes of diesel spilled onto the roadway, creating a high risk of fire and explosion.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), traffic was promptly diverted to the opposite side of the bridge to reduce danger and ensure public safety. The agency disclosed the development in a statement shared on X.
LASTMA stated, “Traffic has been diverted to the other side of the bridge for safety measures.”
The agency confirmed that emergency responders were mobilised to manage the situation and prevent further escalation.
Moreover, operatives of the Lagos State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and LASTMA were deployed to the scene.
In addition, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) were present to support crowd control and emergency operations.
LASTMA further explained the purpose of the coordinated response, noting, “Their presence is to prevent fire outbreaks, evacuation of truck and free flow of traffic.”
However, despite the visible danger, several residents were seen gathering around the overturned tanker.
Videos shared on social media showed individuals using jerrycans, buckets, and other containers to scoop diesel directly from the spill.
Meanwhile, emergency officials reportedly struggled to keep people away from the area as the situation posed a significant threat to lives and infrastructure.
Diesel spills are highly flammable, and any spark could have resulted in a catastrophic explosion on the bridge.
Furthermore, the incident added to Apapa’s long-standing traffic challenges, especially given its importance as a major port corridor.
The tanker accident on Apapa Bridge once again highlighted concerns over road safety, tanker regulation, and public risk awareness in Lagos.
Therefore, authorities urged residents to avoid accident scenes and allow trained personnel to carry out rescue and containment efforts.
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