The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the tanker crash and inferno beneath Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, gave the directive following the incident, which occurred at about 4;10 p.m., on Monday.
The incident involved a diesel-laden tanker that plunged into the underpass beneath the bridge on the outward section of the expressway.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer,(CPEO), Mr Osondu Ohaeri, on Monday in Abuja.
Mohammed said the crash triggered a raging inferno, raising concerns over the dangers associated with reckless driving, particularly by operators of heavy-duty vehicles transporting petroleum products.
He however, said no fatalities were recorded in the initial report, while two adult male occupants of the tanker sustained injuries and were taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for medical attention.
According to him, preliminary findings forwarded by the Lagos Sector Command identified excessive speed as the cause of the crash.
“The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene at about 4;20 p.m., following a report received at 4;15 p.m., and joined other emergency responders in efforts to contain the fire, manage traffic and prevent further casualties.
“The agencies involved in the response included the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Police and other emergency responders.”
The corps marshal described the crash as a grave reminder that irresponsible driving could have consequences extending far beyond the driver and the vehicle, especially when hazardous cargo and heavily trafficked public infrastructure were involved.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, adding that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the findings.
He also emphasised that transporting petroleum products required exceptional discipline, professional competence and strict adherence to safety standards.
He noted that tanker drivers must understand that the size of their vehicles, the weight of their cargo and the potential consequences of losing control left little room for error.
“Speeding, dangerous manoeuvres, poor vehicle maintenance and failure to comply with prescribed safety requirements can turn an ordinary journey into a disaster with devastating consequences,” Mohammed said.
Mohammed also warned fleet operators and tanker owners against placing commercial considerations above human safety.
He said unrealistic delivery schedules, inadequate driver supervision and poor maintenance practices must not be used as excuses for exposing Nigerians to preventable danger.
He called for stronger driver training, effective monitoring of driving behaviour, regular vehicle inspections and strict compliance with applicable speed limits and other road safety regulations.
He commended the emergency responders for their coordinated intervention, noting the importance of prompt and collaborative action in containing emergencies and preventing additional casualties.
The corps marshal urged motorists to exercise extreme caution around emergency scenes and obey traffic control instructions to allow emergency personnel carry out their duties effectively.
He particularly cautioned members of the public against approaching burning tankers to collect spilled petroleum products or take photographs and videos of such incidents.
He warned that such actions could expose members of the public to potentially fatal consequences, urging motorists and other road users to avoid obstructing emergency responders.
The FRSC boss said the corps would continue to intensify public education, operational surveillance and enforcement to promote responsible driving and protect all road users.
He added that the corps remained committed to preventing avoidable crashes, investigating incidents and ensuring that negligence was held accountable wherever established.
Mohammed reiterated that road safety was not merely a regulatory obligation but a collective national responsibility, stressing that every driver, fleet operator and road user had a duty to ensure that individual decisions does not become a source of tragedy for innocent Nigerians.
He urged tanker operators and other motorists to prioritise safety, exercise caution and comply with traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents.