A potential disaster was narrowly avoided in Apapa, Lagos, on January 19, 2026, when a diesel-laden tanker overturned on the Tincan Liverpool Bridge inward Mile 2, prompting swift intervention by law enforcement and traffic authorities.
The incident involved a 45,000-litre tanker that spilled its contents, attracting crowds of residents and passersby who gathered beneath the bridge to scoop the leaking diesel using jerrycans and other containers, despite the high risk of fire or explosion.
Officers from the Apapa Area Command Police and officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) quickly arrived at the scene, dispersing the crowd and cordoning off the area to prevent any secondary incidents.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was also mobilized to neutralize the spilled diesel, ensuring the site was secured and the road reopened after the immediate threat was contained.
No injuries or fires were reported, highlighting the effectiveness of the rapid response in averting what could have been a catastrophic event.
"This timely action by our security and emergency teams underscores the importance of public safety and the dangers associated with scooping fuel from accident scenes," stated LASTMA Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofiq. "We urge residents to prioritize their safety and allow professionals to handle such situations to avoid unnecessary loss of life."
The Lagos State Government continues to emphasize caution around hazardous materials and encourages reporting of similar incidents to emergency services promptly.