Residents Scoop Fuel as Diesel Tanker Falls on Tincan–Liverpool Bridge
Lagos, Nigeria — Panic and chaos erupted on the Tincan–Liverpool Bridge in Apapa, Lagos, on [day], after a diesel tanker toppled over, spilling large volumes of fuel onto the roadway and surrounding areas.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred in the early hours of the day, disrupting traffic on the busy bridge that links the Tincan Island Port axis to other parts of the city. Shortly after the tanker fell, residents and passersby rushed to the scene with buckets, kegs, and plastic containers to scoop the leaking diesel, despite the obvious danger posed by the highly flammable substance.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed men, women, and even children standing close to the overturned tanker as fuel flowed freely, raising serious safety concerns. Motorists were seen abandoning their vehicles, while traffic built up rapidly along the bridge and adjoining roads.
Emergency responders and security agencies later arrived at the scene to cordon off the area and disperse the crowd. Officials warned that any spark could have triggered a massive fire or explosion, endangering lives and critical infrastructure in the densely populated Apapa corridor.
Although no casualties had been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report, authorities said investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the accident. The tanker driver’s condition remained unclear.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency agencies worked to manage traffic and contain the spill, while urging residents to stay away from the area for their own safety.
The incident has once again highlighted recurring safety risks associated with fuel transportation and the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from accident scenes, which authorities have repeatedly warned against.
Residents were advised to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency officials as cleanup and recovery operations continued.
