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A diesel tanker overturned on the Tincan Liverpool Bridge in Apapa, Lagos, on Monday morning, sparking a chaotic scene as residents and passersby rushed to collect the spilled fuel.
The incident occurred during peak hour, causing traffic disruptions and raising concerns about the risk of fire or explosion.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker capsized early in the morning, with fuel leaking from the damaged tank.
Despite warnings from authorities about the dangers of collecting spilled fuel, many residents ignored the risks and used containers to scoop up the diesel. Videos shared on social media showed people converging on the site with jerrycans, buckets, and other containers to collect the fuel.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) responded quickly to the incident. LASEMA personnel were deployed to the scene to contain the situation, divert traffic, and prevent further incidents. LASTMA officials also arrived at the scene to manage traffic flow and prevent accidents.
According to LASTMA, the tanker was carrying diesel, and the spill resulted from damage to the tank. The agency warned residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid approaching the site. “Men of Nigerian Police Force from Area B and other safety Agencies have been swiftly notified,” LASTMA stated.
The Lagos State Fire Service also responded to the incident, and operatives were working to salvage the spilt content from the 45,000 diesel tanker. The fire service managed to save the tanker from a secondary incident, while security agents worked to curtail the scooping crowd.
This incident highlights the recurring tragedy of fuel tanker accidents in Nigeria, where collecting spilled fuel can have deadly consequences. In October 2024, over 100 people were confirmed dead after a petrol tanker exploded on the Kano-Hadejia expressway in Jigawa State. Similarly, in October 2025, a petrol tanker exploded in the Essa community, along the Agaie-Bida road in Niger State, killing many residents.
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