The Lagos State Government has warned residents against scooping fuel after a diesel tanker overturned at the Tincan–Liverpool Bridge area of Apapa, causing a spill and disrupting traffic along the busy route.
The accident occurred on the bridge inward Mile 2, where the tanker fell and began leaking diesel, prompting an emergency response and temporary traffic blockage.
In an urgent situation report issued on Monday, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that the tanker was actively leaking fuel and that emergency responders had been deployed to contain the situation.
“Our attention has been drawn to a fallen tanker at the location, which is leaking fuel. All emergency responders have been activated and are en route,” LASEMA said in a statement signed by its Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
The agency cautioned residents to stay away from the scene, warning that scooping fuel or lighting flames nearby could trigger a secondary disaster, including fire outbreaks or explosions.
Motorists were advised to avoid the axis and use alternative routes, as the state’s disaster management plan was activated to manage the incident.
Videos shared on social media showed some residents scooping diesel from the fallen tanker despite repeated safety warnings.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) also confirmed the incident, noting that the tanker was loaded with diesel and that damage to the tank had caused the fuel to spread across the bridge.
LASTMA said security agencies had been alerted and traffic diverted to reduce risks to commuters, urging motorists to comply with traffic officials on duty as emergency operations continue.