Explosion rocks Otedola under bridge

• Published On: 12 March 2025 at 07:05

On Tuesday evening, motorists along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway felt palpable tension as a result of an explosion near the Otedola Bridge.

According to multiple videos shared on X, the explosion took place around 7 p.m., with thick flames billowing from the scene.

While the exact cause of the explosion is unknown, some X users suspected a petrol tanker was involved. One user, Tonye Oliver, called the incident a "major disaster," while another, Pamilerin Adegoke, warned commuters to avoid the area due to "heavy fire right now."

Nosa Okunbor, spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed the incident in a brief WhatsApp message, saying that emergency responders were on the scene. "Some kind of explosion. I am awaiting the preliminary report. "LASEMA's Tiger Response Team is on the scene," he said.

This is not the first time a disaster has occurred on the Otedola Bridge. Several tanker explosions have occurred at this location in the past, often resulting in tragic loss of life and property.

In 2018, a petrol-laden tanker lost control and exploded on the bridge, killing at least 12 people and destroying over 50 vehicles. Similarly, in October 2020, another tanker caught fire in the same location, causing extensive damage and traffic disruption.