Tragedy Averted as Gas Tanker Overturns on Eko Bridge in Lagos
A potential disaster was averted on Tuesday morning after a mini gas tanker overturned on Eko Bridge, causing significant gas leakage but no loss of life.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Operations Office, confirmed that the lone accident occurred at about 6:17 a.m. on April 28, 2026, along the bridge inward Alaka in Lagos.
Preliminary findings indicate that the front tyre of the 10-tonne DAF mini gas tanker burst while in motion, leading to loss of control by the driver. The vehicle subsequently overturned, spilling its contents and triggering a potentially dangerous gas leak.
Two persons — the driver and his assistant (motor boy) — were involved in the incident but escaped unhurt. No casualties were recorded.
However, the accident damaged two streetlights along the bridge. The tanker, with a gross capacity of 10 tonnes, was reportedly carrying approximately 10,090 kilograms of gas at the time.
Following a distress alert, NEMA swiftly coordinated a multi-agency emergency response involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Nigeria Police Force, Iponri Division.
Emergency responders promptly secured the scene, deploying safety barriers to cordon off the affected area and prevent secondary incidents such as fire outbreaks or explosions. Firefighters continue to monitor the gas leakage closely while recovery teams work to upright the tanker and clear the roadway.
Traffic along the busy corridor is being managed by LASTMA officials to minimise disruption.
Authorities say the situation is under control, with all agencies working in coordination to ensure public safety, contain the leak, and restore normal vehicular movement as quickly as possible.
