The Lagos State Government has warned residents against scooping fuel following reports of a diesel spill from a fallen tanker at the Tincan–Liverpool Bridge area of Apapa.
The warning followed the overturning of a diesel tanker on the bridge, inward Mile 2, which led to fuel leakage and obstruction of traffic along the busy route.
In an urgent situation report issued on Monday, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that the tanker was leaking diesel and that emergency responders had been deployed to the scene. The statement was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
“Our attention has been brought to a fallen tanker at the above location, which is leaking fuel. All emergency responders have been activated and are en route to the location,” the statement read.
LASEMA cautioned members of the public to stay away from the scene, warning that scooping fuel or lighting any flame in the area could result in a secondary disaster.
“Members of the public are urged to exercise extreme caution to avoid any secondary incident from scooping product or lighting any flame near the area,” the agency said.
Motorists were also advised to avoid the axis and use alternative routes, as the state’s disaster management plan had been activated.
Videos circulating on social media showed residents scooping diesel from the fallen tanker despite the apparent danger.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) also confirmed the incident, stating that the tanker was fully loaded with diesel and that the spill was spreading on the bridge due to damage to the tank.
“There’s a fallen tanker loaded with diesel on top Liverpool Bridge inward Mile 2. The diesel is spreading on the bridge as a result of the damaged tank,” LASTMA said in a statement on its official X handle.
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The authority added that security agencies had been alerted and traffic diverted to minimise risk to road users.
“Men of the Nigerian Police Force from Area B and other safety agencies have been swiftly notified. Traffic has been diverted to the other side of the bridge for safety measures,” the statement said.
LASTMA urged motorists to cooperate with traffic officials on ground, stressing the importance of compliance for public safety.
Authorities have continued to warn that scooping fuel from accident scenes poses serious risks, including fire outbreaks and loss of lives, as emergency agencies work to contain the situation at the bridge.