An explosion that occurred on Tuesday night near the Otedola Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has reportedly destroyed two buildings and four vehicles.
Reports indicated that one of the affected structures is a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) building in the area.
Multiple footage shared on X showed that the explosion occurred around 7 pm following an accident involving a 30-tonne gas truck.
The videos showed thick flames emanating from the explosion with one X user, Tonye Oliver writing thus: “Ongoing tanker fire at Otedola bridge, this is a major disaster!!”
Another user, Pamilerin Adegoke, urged motorists and commuters to avoid the Otedola Bridge.
“Please, avoid Otedola Bridge, heavy fire right now,” Adegoke said in her message
The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), Margaret Adeseye, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said the fire started after the truck had an accident while trying to navigate its way through the area
Adeseye said the 30-tonne truck with no registration number went up in flames after the accident, adding that two buildings including an RCCG building and a bungalow, alongside four vehicles of various brands were destroyed in the ensuing fire.
According to her, “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is currently attending to a fire resulting from a tanker accident outward Otedola Bridge, Omole, Lagos, at about 20:00 hours.
“The 30 tonnes DAF Gas Truck with an unknown registration number is on its way navigating the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway before an accident resulting in an ensuing explosion accompanied by fireballs in front of a Redeemed church.
“The resultant fire quickly spread to the church and adjoining bungalow building as well as four different brands of vehicles as it being mitigated from causing further damage.”
Adeseye, who disclosed that there was no human casualty at the time of sending the statement, said; “While firefighting operations are ongoing, there has been no record of a casualty, with a further update to follow”.
Also responding to enquiries, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, gave further update saying the fire has been brought under control.
He said; “We can confirm that the fire, which has now been put out, did not occur on the bridge.
“We can also confirm that there is a free flow of traffic on the bridge while officers of the Lagos State Police Command are fully on the ground to secure the scene for other post-fire activities”.
