Christmas Tragedy: Two Killed in Diesel Tanker Explosion on Badagry Expressway
Martin
Two persons were burnt to death in the early hours of Christmas Day following a fatal tanker explosion at the Oto-Ijanikin axis of the Badagry Expressway, Lagos.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the incident involved a Mack truck laden with diesel near the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), inward Agbara.
According to preliminary reports, the tanker driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another motorist at high speed. The truck reportedly crashed and burst into flames, trapping and killing the driver and a female occupant.
LASTMA officials disclosed that personnel on routine traffic monitoring duty in the area responded swiftly by cordoning off the affected section of the expressway to prevent further casualties. Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and officers from the Ijanikin Police Division, were immediately alerted.
The agency also confirmed that its officials prevented members of the public from scooping the spilled diesel fuel, a practice authorities described as extremely hazardous and capable of triggering secondary explosions. LASTMA noted that this intervention helped avert a potential escalation of the tragedy.
Following the successful containment of the fire, the burnt tanker was evacuated from the roadway by LASTMA officials to restore traffic flow, while FRSC personnel recovered and removed the remains of the deceased.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He described the deaths as painful and avoidable, particularly during the festive season.
Bakare-Oki urged tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to adhere strictly to speed limits and traffic regulations, stressing that over-speeding and reckless driving remain major causes of fatal road crashes in Lagos. He also warned members of the public against scooping petroleum products from accident scenes, noting that such actions pose grave risks to lives and property.
