Lagos warns residents against fuel scooping after tanker accident at Apapa bridge
The Lagos State Government has warned residents to stay away from a fallen fuel tanker following reports of diesel scooping at the Tincan–Liverpool Bridge area of Apapa.
The warning followed the overturning of a diesel-laden tanker on the bridge, inward Mile 2, which led to fuel spillage and disruption of traffic along the busy route.
In an urgent situation report issued on Monday, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that the tanker was leaking fuel and that emergency responders had been deployed to the scene.
“Our attention has been brought to a fallen tanker at the above location, which is leaking fuel. All emergency responders have been activated and are en route to the location,” the statement, signed by LASEMA’s permanent secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, read.
LASEMA cautioned members of the public against engaging in dangerous activities around the accident scene.
“Members of the public are urged to exercise EXTREME CAUTION to avoid any secondary incident from scooping product or lighting any flame near the area,” the agency warned.
Motorists were also advised to steer clear of the axis.
“Motorists are advised to take alternative routes. Disaster management plan has been activated. Updates to follow,” the statement added.
Despite the warnings, videos circulating on social media showed residents scooping diesel from the fallen tanker, exposing themselves to significant danger.
Also reacting, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the tanker was loaded with diesel and that the spillage was spreading across the bridge due to damage to the tank.
“There’s a fallen tanker loaded with diesel on top Liverpool Bridge inward Mile 2. The diesel is spreading on the bridge as a result of the damaged tank,” LASTMA said in a statement on its official X handle.
The authority said security agencies had been alerted and traffic diverted to minimise risks to commuters.
“Men of Nigerian Police Force from Area B and other safety agencies have been swiftly notified. Traffic has been diverted to that other side of the bridge for safety measures,” it said.
LASTMA urged motorists to cooperate with traffic officials on the ground.
“Please adhere strictly to all instructions from the traffic managers,” the authority added.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that scooping fuel from accident scenes poses serious dangers, including fire outbreaks and loss of lives, as emergency agencies continue efforts to contain the situation at the bridge.
