KEY POINTS

• A diesel tanker fell off Otedola Bridge and exploded on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

• LASTMA confirmed two casualties as firefighters and emergency responders arrived.

• The explosion caused traffic congestion, prompting warnings for motorists to use caution and consider alternative routes.

A diesel tanker fell off Otedola Bridge and exploded on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday evening, leaving two casualties and causing traffic congestion as firefighters and emergency responders rushed to the scene.

The incident occurred on the Berger-bound section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on October 19, 2026, after a diesel tanker fell from Otedola Bridge and burst into flames.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that two casualties were recorded in the incident. However, details about the identities of the victims and the severity of their injuries were not immediately available.

Emergency responders attended to the victims and began making arrangements to transport them to a hospital for medical attention. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service deployed personnel to the location to contain the fire and prevent the situation from worsening.

Firefighters battled the inferno while other emergency teams coordinated response efforts around the affected section of the expressway.

The incident required an urgent response because tanker fires can pose serious risks to motorists, nearby residents and other road users, particularly when they involve combustible products such as diesel.

Traffic congestion disrupts movement

The explosion caused significant traffic congestion around Otedola Bridge and the Berger-bound section of the expressway, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid the affected area.

LASTMA deployed its personnel to manage traffic and maintain safety around the scene while emergency operations continued.

The agency advised motorists approaching the area to exercise extreme caution, obey traffic officials and follow instructions from emergency responders.

Drivers were also encouraged to avoid the affected corridor where possible to reduce congestion and allow emergency teams to carry out their duties.

The incident once again highlights the dangers associated with tanker accidents on busy roads in Lagos, where fires and explosions can disrupt traffic and threaten lives.

Authorities continued their response at the scene, with firefighters working to contain the blaze and emergency personnel attending to the victims.

Further details about the cause of the accident and the condition of the casualties were not immediately available.