Two dead in Lagos tanker explosion

Two people have been confirmed dead after a fuel tanker exploded along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway on Thursday.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the incident happened in the early hours of the day at the Oto-Ijanikin area, close to the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), inward Agbara.

According to him, the Mack truck, which was carrying diesel, was reportedly speeding when the driver attempted to overtake another vehicle, lost control, and crashed.

The impact sparked a fire that claimed the lives of the driver and an adult female passenger.

Bakare-Oki explained that LASTMA officials quickly cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents and alerted the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Ijanikin Police Division.

He added that operatives also stopped members of the public from trying to scoop spilled fuel, warning that such actions could trigger more explosions and put lives at risk.

After the fire was contained, the burnt tanker was removed from the road, while officials handled the remains of the victims.

Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the families affected and stressed that the crash was avoidable.

He urged tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to obey speed limits and traffic regulations, noting that speeding and reckless driving continue to cause fatal crashes across the state.