The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to residents following reports of fuel scooping from a fallen tanker at the Tincan–Liverpool Bridge area of Apapa.
The warning came after a diesel tanker overturned on the bridge, inward Mile 2, causing fuel to spill and blocking traffic along the busy corridor.
In an urgent situation report on Monday, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, 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 read.
“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 are advised to take alternative routes. Disaster management plan has been activated. Updates to follow,” the statement added.
Videos circulating on social media showed residents scooping diesel from the fallen tanker despite the obvious risk.
Also reacting, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed that the tanker was loaded with diesel and that the spill was spreading on 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 reduce the risk 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,” the statement said.
LASTMA urged motorists to comply with traffic officials on ground.
“Please adhere strictly to all instructions from the traffic managers,” it added.
Authorities have continued to warn that scooping fuel from accident scenes poses serious risks, including fire outbreaks and loss of lives, as emergency agencies work to contain the situation at the bridge.