Two persons have been confirmed dead after a tanker conveying diesel exploded at the Oto-Ijanikin area of Lagos State.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident via a statement issued on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

LASTMA disclosed that the explosion occurred around the vicinity of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), inward Agbara, along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos in the early hours of Thursday.

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The agency said preliminary findings revealed that the incident was caused by excessive speed, as the tanker driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another road user.

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LASTMA stated: “The vehicle subsequently crashed and erupted into a raging inferno, tragically trapping and claiming the lives of the driver and an adult female occupant.

“Following the successful containment of the blaze and clearance by relevant authorities, the severely burnt tanker was evacuated from the expressway by LASTMA personnel to prevent further road mishaps along the busy transport corridor while remains of burnt bodies were removed by FRSC.”

The agency warned against the “dangerous and irresponsible practice of scooping petroleum/diesel products from accident scenes,” emphasising that such conduct poses grave and far-reaching risks to both individuals and the general public.

The Star

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