Gas Explosion Near Otedola Bridge Kills Two, Destroys Buildings, Vehicles
A gas explosion near Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Tuesday night left at least two people dead and caused extensive property damage.
The incident, which occurred around 8:00 p.m., was triggered when a gas tanker lost control while attempting to ascend the link road to the expressway.
The vehicle overturned, spilling its contents, which ignited immediately and led to a massive inferno.
According to a police report seen by The Whistler, “At about 2010hrs, a distress call was received that there was a fire outbreak as a result of (an) explosion from an articulated vehicle that was carrying gas. The accident was suspected to have occurred when the vehicle was trying to ascend the link road to Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by Otedola Bridge. Consequently, the vehicle summersaulted and spilled its entire contents on the road, and fire was ignited immediately. The vehicle registration number and make are still unknown.”
The explosion consumed four buildings, 15 vehicles—including tricycles—and an unspecified number of shops and household properties.
Emergency responders recovered two bodies, but officials fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
A private hospital near the scene was also affected, though details on potential victims inside remain unclear.
The report further stated, “However, a total of four buildings, 15 burnt vehicles, including tricycles, an unspecified number of shops, and household properties were lost in the inferno. The number of human life (lives) that perished are (is) still being quantified, as only two bodies were recovered.
“A private hospital was affected; details of the victims there are still sketchy as of now. More details (to) follow as the rescue operation is still in progress.”
Authorities are yet to identify the make and registration number of the tanker, while emergency services continue their efforts at the site.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
