A diesel-laden tanker overturned on the Tincan Liverpool Bridge in Apapa, Lagos, on Monday morning, causing traffic disruption and prompting a dangerous rush by residents and bystanders to scoop the spilled fuel.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker tipped over during the morning rush hour. Footage captured by Channels Television showed crowds gathering with jerry cans and various containers to collect the flammable diesel from the site before emergency services fully secured the area.
In a statement on X, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident and announced that the road, which had been temporarily cordoned off, has now been reopened.
"The road on Liverpool bridge inward Apapa that was cordoned off has been reopened after the contents have been neutralised by men of Lagos State Fire Service," the agency stated. "LASTMA officials are doing the needful and traffic is expected to move better, while we await the arrival of a tow truck."
The incident is a grim reminder of the frequent and often deadly practice of fuel scooping in Nigeria. In October 2024, over 100 people died in Jigawa State after a petrol tanker exploded while being scavenged. A similar tragedy occurred in Niger State in October 2025, claiming multiple lives.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid such hazardous sites in the future, as the risks of fire and explosion remain extremely high.
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