A devastating tanker explosion in Lagos State has resulted in the tragic loss of two lives, with emergency services mounting a rapid response to the scene. The incident underscores the persistent dangers on Nigerian roads.
Excessive Speed Blamed for Fatal Crash
The fatal accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, December 25, 2025, along the Oto-Ijanikin axis near the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED). The Mack truck, laden with diesel, was traveling inward Agbara on the Badagry Expressway.
Preliminary reports from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) indicate that excessive speed was the primary cause. The tanker driver allegedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle, leading to a catastrophic crash and immediate ignition.
The inferno claimed the lives of the tanker driver and an adult female passenger. Their remains were later recovered by personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
LASTMA's Critical Intervention Averts Greater Disaster
LASTMA officials, who were already monitoring traffic on the busy corridor, acted with commendable speed. They secured the perilous area, cordoned off the affected stretch of the expressway, and promptly alerted emergency support teams.
These teams included the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), the FRSC, and the Ijanikin Police Division.
In a decisive move that likely saved numerous lives, LASTMA personnel prevented bystanders from engaging in the extremely dangerous practice of scooping spilled diesel from the accident site. This act could have easily triggered a secondary, even larger explosion.
"The scene was extremely hazardous, and our officers acted decisively to prevent further loss of life," stated Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA.
Authorities Issue Stern Warning to Drivers and Public
Following the containment of the fire and the removal of the burnt tanker, traffic flow on the Badagry Expressway has returned to normal. However, the tragedy has prompted serious warnings from authorities.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the General Manager of LASTMA, expressed profound sorrow over the avoidable deaths and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
"This tragic incident is entirely avoidable. We urge all tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to exercise caution, adhere to speed limits, and comply strictly with traffic regulations," Bakare-Oki emphasized.
He also issued a stern caution to the public, condemning the life-threatening habit of scavenging fuel from accident scenes. "Such conduct is extremely dangerous and puts lives at serious risk," he added.
LASTMA reaffirmed its commitment to road safety, especially during the festive season when traffic density increases, and urged all road users to remain vigilant.
This incident echoes a previous tragedy in Niger State, where no less than 40 people died in a fuel tanker explosion along the Agaie–Bida Road in October 2025, highlighting a national pattern of road safety crises involving fuel tankers.
