A fatal tanker explosion on the Badagry Expressway in Lagos claimed two lives early Thursday morning, according to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
The crash took place near the Oto-Ijanikin area by the Lagos State University of Education when a diesel-laden truck crashed and caught fire after an unsuccessful overtaking maneuver.
Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, confirmed the details via a statement on X. He noted that:
“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.”
In addition to cordoning off the area to prevent further accidents, LASTMA alerted the Police, the FRSC, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. Officers also had to intervene to stop bystanders from scooping spilled fuel, a high-risk activity that could have led to more deaths.
Once the blaze was extinguished, the FRSC recovered the bodies and the charred vehicle was cleared from the road. LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki lamented the tragedy, calling it “deeply painful and entirely avoidable,” while urging truck drivers to prioritize safety and warning the public to stay away from fuel spills. He concluded by stating:
“The Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to public safety and the sanctity of human life.”