A diesel tanker caught fire under the Otedola Bridge in Lagos on Wednesday afternoon, causing chaos and traffic gridlock. According to reports from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the incident occurred at about 5:10 p.m., and firefighters were quickly dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze. Two people were reportedly injured in the incident, although the extent of their injuries is not yet clear.
The tanker fire has caused significant delays for motorists attempting to traverse the bridge, which is one of the busiest in Lagos. LASTMA has advised motorists to avoid the area if possible, and to exercise caution if they must travel through the affected route.
The cause of the tanker fire is not yet known, but the incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with the transportation of flammable materials on Nigerian roads. In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents involving tanker fires, leading to calls for improved safety measures and regulations.
Premium Times Nigeria reported that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Federal Fire Service were also present at the scene to assist with the emergency response. It is not yet clear when the tanker fire was extinguished or when the affected road will reopen to traffic.
The incident comes just days after Femi Otedola, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist, announced that his incoming successor as the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Hamzat, was his bunkmate 49 years ago. Otedola made the announcement at an event in Lagos, and the two men shared a warm embrace, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between them.
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