A deadly Badagry Expressway explosion claimed two lives early Thursday after a diesel tanker was involved in a crash along the Oto Ijanikin axis of Lagos. The incident occurred near the Lagos State University of Education and was confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.
According to LASTMA, the crash happened when a truck conveying diesel reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle. The impact led to a fire outbreak that resulted in the death of the tanker driver and an adult female who was in the vehicle.
In a statement released by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Mr Adebayo Taofiq, preliminary investigations pointed to excessive speed as the major cause of the Badagry Expressway explosion. He explained that the driver’s loss of control triggered the crash and the subsequent fire.
LASTMA officials at the scene were said to have responded promptly, securing the affected section of the road to prevent further incidents. The agency also coordinated emergency response efforts by alerting the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Ijanikin Police Division.
Traffic officials also prevented onlookers from attempting to collect spilled diesel from the scene, warning that such actions could have led to additional explosions and more casualties. After the fire was brought under control, the burnt tanker was removed to ease traffic and reduce further risk, while the FRSC handled the evacuation of the victims.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare Oki, described the Badagry Expressway explosion as a tragic and avoidable occurrence. He expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and urged drivers, especially those operating tankers and heavy-duty vehicles, to obey speed limits and traffic regulations.
He also cautioned members of the public against the dangerous habit of scooping fuel from accident scenes, stressing that public safety and the protection of human life remain a top priority for the agency.