Motorists and residents experienced hours of traffic congestion on Monday after a tanker caught fire at the T-Junction inward Temu in Epe area of Lagos State, forcing vehicles to divert and bringing movement along the road to a near standstill.
The incident was confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), which said emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene to manage the situation and restore order.
In a statement posted on its official social media page, the agency assured the public that firefighters and traffic officials were already working to put out the fire and prevent further danger.
“There’s a burning tanker at T Junction inward Temu Epe but nothing to worry about as the firefighters are already on ground to put out the fire,” the agency said.
LASTMA also said officers from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were present at the location to control traffic and ensure that vehicles could move safely along alternative routes.
Videos and images shared by the traffic management agency showed the tanker fully engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising high into the air. The fire created panic among motorists and nearby residents who quickly moved away from the scene.
The burning tanker caused a major traffic build-up along the busy road linking several communities in Epe and surrounding areas.
Vehicles including private cars, commercial buses, trailers, fuel tankers, tricycles, and motorcycles were forced to stop or divert as officials worked to secure the area.
For several hours, motorists remained trapped in long lines of traffic stretching along the road. Some drivers reportedly turned around to find alternative routes while others waited for the emergency teams to clear the road.
Officials from LASTMA were seen directing traffic and guiding motorists away from the affected area to prevent accidents and allow firefighters access to the burning vehicle.
A follow-up video released by LASTMA showed firefighters spraying water and foam on the remains of the tanker as they brought the fire under control.
By the time the fire was completely put out, the tanker had been destroyed.
However, there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries linked to the incident.
Authorities also did not immediately confirm the cause of the fire, though investigations are expected to determine what led to the tanker going up in flames.
Traffic officials continued to manage vehicle movement in the area to ease congestion and gradually restore normal traffic flow.
Tanker accidents and fires have become a major safety concern on Nigerian roads in recent years, especially in busy states like Lagos where heavy trucks and fuel tankers move goods and petroleum products across the country.
Many of these incidents often lead to serious road accidents, property damage, and loss of lives.
In some cases, fuel spills from fallen tankers have led to explosions when residents attempted to scoop petrol from damaged trucks.
Authorities have repeatedly warned members of the public to stay away from tanker accident scenes due to the risk of explosions.
Road safety officials also continue to urge tanker drivers and transport companies to maintain their vehicles properly and follow safety regulations.
The affected road in Epe is an important transport route in Lagos State. It connects several communities and serves as a key corridor for trucks and tankers transporting goods and fuel between Lagos and other parts of the country.
Because of the heavy movement of large vehicles on the road, accidents involving tankers and trailers can easily cause major traffic disruptions.
Residents and motorists in the area have often called on authorities to improve road safety measures, regulate the movement of heavy trucks, and ensure strict enforcement of traffic rules.
The Lagos State Government has in recent years increased efforts to improve traffic control and road safety across the state.
Agencies such as LASTMA and the FRSC regularly monitor major roads and highways to respond quickly to accidents and breakdowns.
Emergency response units are also trained to handle fires, road crashes, and other incidents that could affect public safety.
Monday’s tanker fire once again highlighted the importance of quick emergency response in preventing a potentially dangerous situation from getting worse.
After the fire was extinguished, officials continued to direct vehicles and clear the remains of the tanker from the road.
Traffic gradually began to move again as authorities worked to restore normal movement along the route.
Motorists were advised to remain patient and follow the directions of traffic officers while the clean-up operation continued.
Although the tanker was completely destroyed by the fire, the swift response by emergency teams helped prevent further damage and ensured that the situation was brought under control.
