FRSC orders probe into Otedola Bridge tanker explosion

The corps marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, on Monday, ordered an investigation into the accident involving a 33,000-litre diesel tanker that caught fire at about 4:10 p.m. under Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

FRSC’s spokesman, Osondu Ohaeri, in a statement on Monday, said the crash recorded no fatalities, but two male occupants sustained injuries and were taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for medical attention.

The FRSC said Mr Mohammed has directed an immediate and thorough investigation into the tanker crash and inferno beneath Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, warning that reckless driving, particularly by operators of heavy-duty vehicles conveying petroleum products, poses an unacceptable threat to human lives, public infrastructure, and national safety.

“The incident, which occurred at approximately 1610HRS today, 19 October 2026, involved a diesel-laden tanker that plunged into the underpass beneath Otedola Bridge on the outward section of the expressway, triggering a raging inferno. Although two adult male occupants sustained injuries and were taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for medical attention, no fatalities were recorded in the initial report.

“According to a report forwarded to the corps marshal by the Lagos sector command, preliminary findings identified excessive speed as the cause of the crash. The corps’ rescue team arrived at the scene at approximately 1620HRS following a report received at 1615HRS and joined the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the police and other emergency responders in efforts to contain the fire, manage traffic and prevent further casualties,” the statement explained.

According to Mr Mohammed, the crash reminded everyone that the consequences of irresponsible driving extend far beyond the driver and the vehicle, particularly when hazardous cargo and heavily trafficked public infrastructure are involved.

He noted that the circumstances surrounding the explosion “must be thoroughly investigated, with appropriate action taken in accordance with the findings”, reiterating that the transportation of petroleum products demands exceptional discipline, professional competence and strict adherence to safety standards.

He stated that tanker drivers must understand that the size of their vehicles, the weight of their cargo and the potential consequences of a loss of control leave little room for error, adding that speeding, dangerous manoeuvres, poor vehicle maintenance and failure to observe prescribed safety requirements can transform an ordinary journey into a disaster of devastating proportions.

He also warned fleet operators and tanker owners against placing commercial considerations above human safety, insisting that unrealistic delivery schedules, inadequate driver supervision and poor maintenance practices must never become excuses for exposing Nigerians to preventable danger.