By Ayomide Otitoju
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged residents to prioritise safety following a diesel spill on Liverpool Bridge in Apapa, where a 33‑litre tanker fell and petroleum gushed onto the road.
The governor’s warning came after a viral video showed residents scooping diesel from the fallen tanker, exposing themselves to severe fire and health hazards. “We had to push our first responders to cordon off the area. If anything had happened, it would have been tragic. People need to understand that emergencies and safety of life and property are paramount,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The incident occurred on Monday, prompting authorities to divert traffic to the opposite side of the bridge. In a statement via X, the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) confirmed that emergency teams—including the Lagos State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and LASTMA operatives—were deployed to prevent accidents, manage traffic, and neutralise the spilled diesel.
LASTMA’s video showed residents using jerrycans and buckets to collect the fuel, though there was no fire outbreak. The agency later confirmed the cordoned section of Liverpool Bridge had reopened after the diesel was neutralised, with traffic expected to improve as a tow truck arrived.
The governor’s warning echoes a series of deadly fuel-related incidents in Nigeria. In January 2025, a petrol tanker overturned in Suleja, Niger State, killing at least 86 people as residents scooped fuel. In October 2025, a tanker exploded in Katcha, Niger State, killing at least 42 people and injuring many more.
“These tragedies highlight the persistent risks of fuel spills and the urgent need for public safety awareness around tanker accidents,” authorities said.
