A sombre mood overtook parts of Lagos State on Christmas Day after a diesel-laden tanker exploded in the early hours of Thursday, killing two people and sparking emergency responses along one of the city’s busiest highways.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the fatal incident occurred at the Oto-Ijanikin axis of the Badagry Expressway, near the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) inward Agbara area.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to LASTMA, a Mack truck fully loaded with diesel was travelling along the expressway in the early hours of Christmas when the driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another road user. This loss of control caused the truck to crash and burst into flames, resulting in a devastating explosion.
The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, but officials confirmed that the tanker driver and a female passenger tragically died in the inferno.
Swift Emergency Response
FIRST responders from LASTMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Ijanikin Police Division arrived at the scene shortly after the blast. They worked swiftly to cordon off the affected stretch of the highway to prevent further accidents and manage traffic.
Traffic was disrupted for hours as officials worked to secure the area and clear debris, with some motorists diverted to alternate routes. Emergency teams also prevented members of the public from approaching the wreckage — a crucial measure that helped avert secondary explosions or additional casualties.
Dangerous Public Behavior Avoided
Officials highlighted that soon after the crash, some bystanders attempted to approach the scene to scoop fuel from the spilt diesel — a risky practice that has previously led to catastrophic explosions and high casualty numbers in other parts of Nigeria.
LASTMA personnel intervened and stopped the crowd from engaging in this hazardous act, preventing the situation from worsening.
Calls for Road Safety and Caution
In the aftermath, LASTMA’s General Manager expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, especially at a time when families were celebrating the festive season. He urged drivers — particularly those operating heavy and articulated vehicles — to observe speed limits and practice responsible driving at all times to reduce the risk of such fatal crashes.
Authorities also reiterated warnings to the public against approaching crash sites involving fuel tankers, stressing that no fuel is worth a human life and that such actions often ignite volatile products, leading to deadly outcomes.
Broader Context: Tanker Crashes and Public Safety
Accidents involving fuel-laden tankers are unfortunately not uncommon in Nigeria, and past incidents have often resulted in significant loss of life and property — especially when bystanders attempt to collect fuel from crash sites. Authorities have repeatedly condemned such behaviours and launched safety campaigns to discourage them.
