LASEMA Warns of Fresh Fire Risk as Diesel Leaks Beneath Otedola Bridge
Lagos emergency authorities have warned of a renewed fire risk beneath Otedola Bridge after diesel continued to leak from a burnt tanker left at the scene of Monday’s crash.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said its team returned to the bridge after receiving a fresh distress call about a leaking pipe in the area. Responders found that the burnt tanker was still beneath the bridge and that diesel was continuing to spill from the wreckage.
Fuel Scooping Raises New Danger
LASEMA said the danger increased when people moved towards the leaking fuel and attempted to scoop diesel. The agency warned that the activity could result in another fire or explosion.
Its Tiger Response Team worked with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to blanket the affected area, suppress flammable vapours and reduce the risk of ignition.
Responders also cordoned off the site and dispersed people attempting to collect fuel before security control was handed to police officers.
Crash Left Two People With Severe Burns
The tanker had plunged from Otedola Bridge on October 19 and caught fire beneath the structure.
Two people sustained severe burns and were evacuated for treatment, according to emergency-response accounts published after the crash.
Days later, the wreckage remained a public-safety concern because residual diesel was still leaking at the scene.
Tanker Removal Still Pending
LASEMA said responders remained deployed around Otedola Bridge while arrangements were being made to remove the tanker.
The agency also warned members of the public against approaching accident scenes to scoop fuel because of the danger to those involved, other road users and emergency personnel.
The continuing presence of the wreckage leaves an accountability question for Lagos authorities: what is the expected timeline for safely removing a burnt tanker carrying residual fuel from a major transport corridor after the initial emergency has been contained?
Public Warning Remains in Force
For motorists and residents using the corridor, the immediate warning remains clear: the original fire has been extinguished, but LASEMA says the leaking diesel still presents a hazard.
Emergency authorities have urged the public to stay away from the affected area and use Lagos State’s 767 and 112 emergency lines when necessary.