Tuesday, October 20, 2026

FRSC orders probe into Otedola Bridge tanker explosion

According to Mr Mohammed, the crash reminded everyone that the consequences of irresponsible driving extend far beyond the driver and the vehicle.

• October 20, 2026
Otedola Bridge tanker explosion
Otedola Bridge tanker explosion [Photo Credit; Stears]

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.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Kano State House of Assembly

Politics

Kano assembly summons lawmaker over ‘rabbit talk’ on social media

The Kano State House of Assembly has summoned lawmaker Yusuf Bello-Aliyu (NNPP-Nassarawa) over alleged remarks and insults widely circulated on social media.

WHO

Health

WHO warns of global health workforce gap  

The World Health Organisation has said one in four doctors is nearing retirement age, warning of a global health workforce gap.

Agriculture

Nigeria tells UN food availability means little when families can’t eat

Nigeria has warned that increasing food production alone cannot eliminate hunger if millions of households remain unable to afford nutritious meals.

Otedola Bridge tanker explosion

Lagos

FRSC orders probe into Otedola Bridge tanker explosion

According to Mr Mohammed, the crash reminded everyone that the consequences of irresponsible driving extend far beyond the driver and the vehicle.

Heading 4

103 ISWAP terrorists killed in air strikes in North-East: Military

Mohammed Goni, the acting spokesman for Hadin Kai operation in the North-East, said the operation lasted 18 days.

Tinubu with Seyi

Hot news Home top

Tinubu hails son Seyi, Nigerian youths for backing his government

“To my son, Seyi, I have watched what you have started with the City Boy Movement. You did it quietly. You did it humbly. You did not ask for a title or an office,” said Mr Tinubu.