Brake Failure Behind Lagos Diesel Tanker Crash on Apapa–Oshodi Route

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) says brake failure was responsible for the diesel tanker accident recorded on Monday along the Apapa–Oshodi Motorway, around Liverpool Bridge, Tin Can Island, in Apapa.

In a statement issued Monday evening, the agency’s head, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, said the tanker lost control while in motion, skidded off the bridgeway and ended up hanging dangerously on the bridge rail.

She explained that the service received a distress call at about 8:05 a.m. over a salvage operation involving a Mack trailer tanker, with registration number RBC 98 XK, loaded with about 45,000 litres of diesel.

The incident, according to the fire service, led to a partial spill of diesel on the bridge, beneath the structure, and into a nearby drainage channel, raising concerns about possible fire risk and environmental impact.

Firefighters from the Ajegunle and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations were immediately deployed to the scene. Adeseye said responders secured the tanker and prevented it from falling, bringing the situation under control and stopping it from escalating.

She added that emergency teams safely transloaded the remaining diesel and secured the area to prevent interference by fuel scoopers. After the decanting exercise was completed, the tanker was evacuated from the location.

Adeseye said traffic has since returned to normal on the busy roadway. She commended the firefighters for their swift response and professionalism, noting that their actions helped prevent what could have become a major disaster.

The agency also advised motorists, especially heavy-duty vehicle operators, to prioritise routine maintenance to reduce avoidable crashes caused by mechanical failure.