A major disaster was averted on Friday morning after three individuals narrowly escaped death when a petrol-laden tanker burst into flames on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos. The incident, which occurred near the Cele Bus Stop axis, caused a total shutdown of vehicular movement for several hours and triggered panic among commuters and residents.
According to eyewitness reports, the tanker, which was transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)—commonly known as petrol—was en route to a depot in the Apapa area when it suddenly fell due to brake failure. Upon impact, the vehicle caught fire, sparking a massive inferno that spread quickly across the expressway. A commercial bus, a private car, and two motorcycles were caught in the blaze. However, thanks to quick reactions and sheer luck, three occupants in the affected vehicles managed to escape unhurt, just moments before the flames engulfed the surrounding area.
“I saw the tanker swerving uncontrollably before it tipped over. Within seconds, there was a loud explosion, and fire spread rapidly. People were shouting and running,” said Moses Adigun, an eyewitness and commercial tricycle operator.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police Force, arrived swiftly at the scene to contain the fire and manage traffic. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly two hours before successfully bringing the situation under control.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Lagos Fire Service, Margaret Adeseye, stated that no lives were lost, and the quick evacuation helped minimize injuries and casualties. She also urged tanker drivers and fleet operators to prioritize vehicle maintenance and driver training to prevent future occurrences.
As a result of the inferno, the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway was temporarily closed, causing severe traffic congestion stretching from Cele to Mile 2. Authorities advised motorists to use alternative routes, including the Oshodi-Isolo Road and Agege Motor Road, to ease gridlock.
This latest incident adds to the growing list of tanker-related accidents in Lagos, many of which have resulted in fatalities and property loss. Transport analysts and safety advocates have repeatedly called for stricter regulation of fuel tanker operations, including route scheduling, safety inspections, and the enforcement of no-movement hours during peak traffic periods. Meanwhile, residents of the affected area have renewed calls for the construction of service lanes and fire hydrants along high-risk routes like the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, which serves as a critical artery for commercial and cargo transportation in Lagos.
