A deadly gas explosion triggered by a collision between a tanker and a tipper truck has claimed two lives and destroyed multiple properties along the Lekki–Epe Expressway in Lagos.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at about 2:36 a.m. near Tera Ahmed bus stop in Sangotedo, within the Ajah axis of the state.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the accident involved a 20-tonne tipper truck travelling from the Epe end, which rammed into the rear of a stationary 30-tonne gas tanker that had failed to pull off the highway.
The impact ignited a massive fire that quickly spread to surrounding structures, engulfing three adjoining warehouses and at least 10 roadside shops, including a gym and a generator house.
Emergency responders from the Lekki Phase II, Oniru, and Epe II Fire Stations were promptly deployed to the scene. Their swift intervention helped contain the inferno and prevented further escalation.
Authorities confirmed that the blaze was successfully extinguished, with firefighters managing to save critical assets, including a nearby Total petrol filling station and a fully loaded 33,000-litre Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker.
Despite the successful containment, the accident resulted in the deaths of the tipper truck driver and his assistant, both adult males, who were burnt beyond recognition. The driver of the gas tanker, however, escaped unhurt.
Following the incident, emergency officials recovered several vehicles from the affected premises, including three Sienna buses, a Toyota Corolla, and a forklift.
The Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Amodu Shakiru, confirmed the development, noting that the situation had been brought under control.
In a statement signed by the Controller General of the agency, Margaret Adeseye, the service attributed the cause of the explosion to the high-impact collision involving the speeding tipper truck and the improperly positioned gas tanker.
The agency reiterated the importance of strict adherence to road safety regulations, particularly for heavy-duty vehicle operators, to prevent similar tragedies.
