Two Sustain Severe Burns as Diesel-Laden Tanker Crashes in Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria -October 20, 2026
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered an investigation into a tanker crash and fire beneath Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after two people sustained severe burns in the incident.
The crash occurred at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, when a diesel-laden tanker plunged into the underpass beneath the bridge on the outward section of the expressway.
The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the development in a statement issued by its Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, on behalf of the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed.
According to the agency, preliminary findings by the Lagos Sector Command identified excessive speed as the likely cause of the crash.
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The impact triggered a fire beneath the bridge, prompting an emergency response involving the FRSC, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the police.
The FRSC said its rescue team arrived at the scene at approximately 4:20 p.m., five minutes after receiving a report of the incident.
The two adult male occupants of the tanker sustained injuries and were evacuated to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for medical treatment. Initial reports indicated that no fatalities had been recorded.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority also confirmed that the victims were rescued from the danger zone and transferred for urgent medical attention.
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Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby infrastructure. Emergency personnel also managed traffic around the affected section of the expressway to reduce further risks to motorists.
The FRSC said the Corps Marshal had directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The agency described the incident as a reminder of the dangers associated with reckless driving, particularly when heavy-duty vehicles transporting petroleum products are involved.
It urged tanker operators and other road users to observe speed limits, maintain their vehicles properly and comply with road safety regulations.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the incident has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by crashes involving fuel and petroleum-product tankers on busy roads in Lagos, where fires can threaten motorists, nearby residents and public infrastructure.
