TANKER EXPLOSION ON BADAGRY EXPRESSWAY CLAIMS TWO LIVES — CHRISTMAS DAY INCIDENT IN LAGOS

A tanker explosion along the Badagry Expressway on December 25, 2025 has resulted in the deaths of two people in Lagos State, authorities confirmed.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said the diesel-laden tanker was travelling along the expressway at the Oto-Ijanikin axis, near the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), when it reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle.

The vehicle subsequently crashed and erupted into flames, tragically trapping the tanker driver and an adult female passenger, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.

Emergency Response and Safety Measures
LASTMA operatives, already on traffic monitoring duty in the corridor, quickly secured and cordoned off the affected section of the expressway to protect other road users.

Officials alerted emergency services including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Ijanikin Police Division for urgent firefighting and rescue operations.

In a crucial intervention, LASTMA officers prevented members of the public from attempting to scoop the spilled diesel from the accident site — a practice that could have triggered further explosions and additional fatalities.

Authorities’ Reaction
General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the tragic incident as “deeply painful and entirely avoidable,” urging tanker and articulated vehicle drivers to observe speed limits and follow all traffic regulations.

He also cautioned the public about the extreme danger of trying to collect spilt petroleum products from accident scenes, especially during busy festive travel periods.

The tanker explosion stands as a somber reminder of the risks posed by reckless driving and high-speed overtaking, especially on major transport corridors during peak holiday periods.