A diesel-laden tanker has overturned on the Liverpool Bridge in the Apapa area of Lagos State, spilling fuel across the roadway.
The incident, which happened on Monday, drew residents to the scene, with some seen scooping the highly flammable diesel despite the obvious danger.
In a statement shared on X, the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) said traffic was diverted to the opposite side of the bridge as a safety precaution.
According to the agency, emergency responders — including the Lagos State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and LASTMA officials — were immediately deployed to prevent a potential disaster.
Also at the scene were operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).
“Their presence is to prevent fire outbreaks, evacuation of truck and free flow of traffic”, the statement added.
Lagosians scoop fuel from overturned petrol tanker in Apapa pic.twitter.com/spdS2aN1We
— NewsClick Nigeria Media (@NewsClickng) January 19, 2026
As of the time this report was filed, the exact cause of the crash, including whether brake failure was involved, had not been confirmed.
A video posted by LASTMA showed several Nigerians arriving with jerrycans and buckets to collect the spilled diesel.
No fire outbreak was reported at the scene.
There’s a fallen tanker loaded with diesel on top Liverpool bridge inward Mile2.
The diesel is spreading on the bridge as a result of the damaged tank.
However, LASTMA later announced that the previously closed section of the road had been reopened.
“The road on Liverpool bridge inward Apapa that was cordoned off has been reopened after the contents have been neutralised by men of Lagos State Fire Service,” the agency said.
“LASTMA officials are doing the needful and traffic is expected to move better, while we await the arrival of a tow truck. Men of Lagos State Fire service and rescue team are on ground doing the needful.
“Pending the time of the recovery z Liverpool bridge has been cordoned off and Counter flow method of traffic control is in use. Vehicular movement along the corridor is very slow.
“There’s a fallen tanker loaded with diesel on top Liverpool bridge inward Mile2. The diesel is spreading on the bridge as a result of the damaged tank.
“Men of Nigerian Police Force from Area B and other safety Agencies have been swiftly notified. Traffic has been diverted to that other side of the bridge for safety measures.”