Disaster was narrowly averted in the early hours of Monday morning, on the 19th of Jan 2026, after a 45,000 litre diesel tanker overturned on the Liverpool Bridge, heading outward from Apapa toward the Tin Can Island area. with the spill attracting people from the area who gathered to scoop the spilling deisel, with little care for their wellbeing. The incident initially sparked widespread alarm as social media footage emerged showing local residents recklessly scooping spilled fuel from the roadway. With the flooding comments reaching the authorities to put a stop to the ongoing menance.
The dangerous activity raised immediate fears of a massive explosion, prompting a swift, coordinated response from the state’s emergency services.
Rapid Response and Containment
A multi-agency task force including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASTMA, and the Nigerian Police arrived on the scene to secure the perimeter and stop the illegal scooping. Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, confirmed that the state’s disaster management plan was immediately activated. He assured the public that safety had been restored but issued a stern warning to residents “We urge everyone to exercise extreme caution. Do not attempt to scoop spilled products and, most importantly, refrain from lighting any naked flames in the vicinity, as the risk of explosion remains a concern until the area is completely cleared.”
Current Status of the Scene
Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, reported that her team is currently salvaging the 45,000-litre vehicle.
To prevent a secondary fire, the agency has strategically positioned water tankers around the bridge.
-
Casualties: None reported at this time.
-
Traffic Advisory: Motorists are advised to avoid the Liverpool Bridge and Apapa,Tin Can axis, using alternative routes while recovery operations continue.
-
Security: Personnel remain on-site to manage the crowd and ensure the tanker is safely evacuated without further escalation.
Authorities have stated that they will maintain a presence at the bridge until the spill is fully neutralized and the wreckage is removed.
