Two Killed in Christmas Day Tanker Explosion on Lagos’ Badagry Expressway

Two Killed in Christmas Day Tanker Explosion on Lagos’ Badagry Expressway

At least two people have died in a tanker explosion on the Badagry Expressway in Lagos during the early hours of Christmas Day.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the incident involved a Mack truck loaded with diesel near the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), heading inward towards Agbara. Authorities said the tanker driver reportedly lost control while overtaking another vehicle at high speed, causing the truck to crash and burst into flames, killing the driver and a female passenger trapped inside.

LASTMA personnel, who were on traffic monitoring duty, responded swiftly by cordoning off the affected section to prevent further accidents. Emergency agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Ijanikin Police Division, were alerted and assisted at the scene.

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Officials also prevented members of the public from attempting to scoop spilled diesel, a practice that authorities described as extremely dangerous and capable of causing secondary explosions, potentially escalating the tragedy.

After the fire was extinguished, LASTMA removed the burnt tanker to restore traffic, while FRSC personnel recovered the remains of the deceased.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He described the deaths as painful and avoidable, particularly during the festive season, and urged tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to strictly adhere to speed limits and traffic regulations.

Bakare-Oki also warned the public against scooping petroleum products at accident scenes, emphasizing the grave risks to life and property.

Two Killed in Christmas Day Tanker Explosion on Lagos’ Badagry Expressway