The Lagos State Government has cautioned residents after reports emerged of people scooping fuel from an overturned tanker at the Tincan–Liverpool Bridge in Apapa.
The alert followed an accident involving a diesel tanker that toppled on the bridge inward Mile 2, spilling fuel and disrupting traffic along the heavily used route.
In an emergency situation report issued on Monday, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), through a statement signed by its Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed that the tanker was leaking fuel and that emergency teams had been mobilised.
“Our attention has been brought to a fallen tanker at the above location, which is leaking fuel. All emergency responders have been activated and are en route to the location,” the statement said.
LASEMA warned the public against unsafe actions around the accident site.
“Members of the public are urged to exercise EXTREME CAUTION to avoid any secondary incident from scooping product or lighting any flame near the area,” the agency stated.
Motorists were also advised to stay away from the area.
“Motorists are advised to take alternative routes. Disaster management plan has been activated. Updates to follow,” the statement added.
Videos shared online showed residents collecting diesel from the fallen tanker despite the apparent danger.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) also confirmed that the vehicle was carrying diesel and that the substance was spreading across the bridge due to damage to the tanker.
“There’s a fallen tanker loaded with diesel on top Liverpool Bridge inward Mile 2. The diesel is spreading on the bridge as a result of the damaged tank,” LASTMA said in a post on its official X account.
The agency noted that security personnel had been notified and traffic redirected to minimise risks to road users.
“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,” the statement read.
LASTMA urged motorists to cooperate with officials managing traffic at the scene.
“Please adhere strictly to all instructions from the traffic managers,” it added.
Authorities have continued to stress that scooping fuel at accident scenes is extremely dangerous, warning that it could lead to fires, explosions and loss of lives, as emergency responders work to control the situation at the bridge.
