A Christmas Day tragedy claimed two lives early Thursday, December 25, when a diesel-laden tanker exploded on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the fatalities occurred at the Oto-Ijanikin axis, near the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).
Preliminary reports indicate the Mack truck driver lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle at high speed, causing the tanker to crash and ignite.
In a statement released Thursday, Adebayo Taofiq, Director of LASTMA’s Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, attributed the fatal explosion to reckless driving.
According to the agency, initial findings suggest the driver was speeding and lost control during a high-speed maneuver to overtake another road user, leading to the catastrophic crash.
“Preliminary findings from security investigations indicate that the unfortunate incident was precipitated by excessive speed, as the tanker driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another road user.
“The vehicle subsequently crashed and erupted into a raging inferno, tragically trapping and claiming the lives of the driver and an adult female occupant.
“LASTMA personnel who were actively monitoring and managing vehicular movement within the corridor responded with remarkable alacrity and professionalism.”
To avert further disaster, LASTMA teams quickly secured the crash site and coordinated a multi-agency response involving the Fire Service and Police. Officers successfully prevented a potential “secondary explosion” by stopping locals from scooping spilled fuel at the scene.
Following the cleanup, the FRSC oversaw the removal of the deceased, and the burnt tanker was cleared to ensure the Lagos-Badagry Expressway remained safe for commuters.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, offered his deepest sympathies to the families affected by the explosion.
He used the occasion to urge tanker drivers to strictly adhere to speed limits and safety regulations to prevent such catastrophes.
Highlighting the extreme danger of fuel siphoning at crash sites, Bakare-Oki reiterated that LASTMA’s core mission remains the protection of road users, stating:
“We are unwavering in our dedication to public safety.”
