Residents and commuters were caught on camera scooping diesel from a fallen tanker on the Liverpool Bridge at Tin Can Island, Apapa area of Lagos State, sparking widespread concern over safety risks at the scene.
A video circulating on social media showed large crowds rushing to collect the spilled fuel despite traffic congestion and the danger of a possible fire outbreak. The incident caused chaos on the busy bridge, forcing authorities to take emergency control measures.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the tanker, which was conveying diesel, toppled on the Liverpool Bridge inward Mile 2, leading to a massive spill after the tank was damaged.
LASTMA said its officials, in collaboration with operatives of the Nigerian Police Force from Area B, the Lagos State Fire Service, and other emergency responders, swiftly intervened to secure the area and manage traffic.
In a statement, the agency explained that vehicles were diverted and parts of the bridge cordoned off to prevent accidents while the spill was being neutralised by firefighters.
“The road on Liverpool Bridge inward Apapa that was cordoned off has been reopened after the contents were neutralised by officers of the Lagos State Fire Service,” LASTMA said, adding that traffic control measures, including counterflow, were temporarily adopted.
The agency noted that vehicular movement along the corridor was initially very slow as emergency teams worked to contain the diesel and awaited the arrival of a tow truck to remove the fallen tanker.
LASTMA confirmed that traffic flow is expected to improve following the clean-up, while safety officials remain on ground to monitor the situation and ensure full recovery of the affected section of the bridge.
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