The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority stated that two people died in a diesel tanker explosion early Thursday along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos.
The incident happened on the Oto-Ijanikin axis near Lagos State University of Education, when a truck carrying diesel lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle, causing it to crash and burn.
Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, acknowledged this in a statement put on the agency’s X site Thursday.
The statement read, “Preliminary findings from security investigations indicate that the unfortunate incident was precipitated by excessive speed, as the tanker driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another road user.
“The vehicle subsequently crashed and erupted into a raging inferno, tragically trapping and claiming the lives of the driver and an adult female occupant.
“LASTMA personnel who were actively monitoring and managing vehicular movement within the corridor responded with remarkable alacrity and professionalism.”
It further stated that LASTMA officers swiftly secured and roped off the affected stretch to prevent more accidents.
They also contacted the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Ijanikin Police Division to provide emergency response and security reinforcement.
In a vital intervention, LASTMA cops stopped members of the public from attempting to scoop spilled diesel from the scene—a perilous conduct that may have resulted in additional explosions and fatalities.
Following the fire’s containment, the severely burned tanker was evacuated to avoid additional traffic hazards, and the FRSC recovered the deceased’s remains.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, expressed deep regret over the event, calling it “deeply painful and entirely avoidable,” and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
He underlined the significance of road safety, encouraging tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to be cautious, obey speed limits, and follow traffic laws.
He also cautioned the public against the dangerous practice of collecting spilled petroleum products from accident scenes.
“The Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to public safety and the sanctity of human life,” Bakare-Oki said.
