A tanker carrying diesel has overturned on the Liverpool Bridge in the Apapa area of Lagos State, spilling its contents onto the roadway and causing traffic disruption.
The incident occurred on Monday, prompting an immediate response from emergency and security agencies. Despite the obvious danger, some residents were seen scooping the spilled diesel into jerrycans and buckets, raising concerns about safety and the risk of a possible fire outbreak.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), in a statement shared on X, confirmed the incident and said traffic was initially diverted to the opposite side of the bridge as a precautionary measure.
According to LASTMA, operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and LASTMA officials were deployed to the scene to prevent a tragedy and manage traffic. Personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) were also present.
“Their presence is to prevent fire outbreaks, evacuate the fallen truck and ensure the free flow of traffic,” the agency said.
As of the time of reporting, the cause of the accident had not been confirmed, with brake failure yet to be ruled out. Videos shared by LASTMA showed residents collecting the diesel while it continued to spread across the bridge. No fire outbreak was recorded.
LASTMA later announced that the affected section of the bridge had been reopened after officials of the Lagos State Fire Service neutralised the spilled diesel.
“The road on Liverpool Bridge inward Apapa that was earlier cordoned off has now been reopened,” the statement said, adding that traffic officials were managing vehicular movement while awaiting the arrival of a tow truck to remove the tanker.
Traffic along the corridor remained slow, with partial closures and counter-flow measures earlier put in place to ensure safety.
