<p>By Paschal Madu</p>
<p><strong>The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered an immediate investigation into the tanker crash and inferno beneath Otedola Bridge along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, following preliminary findings that identified excessive speed as the cause of the incident.</strong></p><p class="ari-link"><strong>Read also:</strong> <a href="https://sparknewsdaily.com.ng/fg-begins-construction-of-new-national-grid-control-centre-in-osogbo/">Nigeria Begins Construction of New National Grid Control Centre in Osogbo</a></p>
<p>The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, gave the directive after a diesel-laden tanker plunged into the underpass beneath the bridge on the outward section of the expressway at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, triggering a fire.</p>
<p>According to a statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, two adult male occupants sustained injuries and were taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for treatment, while no fatalities were recorded in the initial report.</p>
<p>The statement said the FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene at about 4:20 p.m., following a report received at 4:15 p.m., and joined the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the police and other emergency responders to contain the fire, manage traffic and prevent further casualties.</p>
<p>Reacting to the incident, Mohammed described the crash as a grave reminder of the dangers of irresponsible driving, particularly when heavy-duty vehicles carrying hazardous materials are involved.</p>
<p>He directed that the circumstances surrounding the incident be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken in line with the findings.</p>
<p>The Corps Marshal stressed that transporting petroleum products requires exceptional discipline, professional competence and strict compliance with safety standards.</p><p class="ari-link"><strong>Read also:</strong> <a href="https://sparknewsdaily.com.ng/tcn-restores-karu-keffi-akwanga-power-line-after-three-towers-collapse/">TCN Restores Karu-Keffi-Akwanga Power Line After Three Towers Collapse</a></p></p>
<p>&#8220;Tanker drivers must understand that the size of their vehicles, the weight of their cargo and the potential consequences of a loss of control leave little room for error.</p>
<p>&#8220;Speeding, dangerous manoeuvres, poor vehicle maintenance and failure to observe prescribed safety requirements can transform an ordinary journey into a disaster of devastating proportions,&#8221; he said.</p>
<p>He also warned fleet operators and tanker owners against prioritising commercial interests over human safety, noting that unrealistic delivery schedules, inadequate driver supervision and poor vehicle maintenance must not be used as excuses for exposing Nigerians to preventable danger.</p>
<p>Mohammed called for improved driver training, effective monitoring of driving behaviour, regular vehicle inspections and strict adherence to speed limits and other road safety regulations.</p>
<p>He commended the emergency responders for their coordinated intervention and urged motorists to exercise caution around emergency scenes.</p>
<p>The Corps Marshal also warned members of the public against approaching burning tankers to scoop spilled petroleum products or take photographs and videos, stressing that such actions could expose them to potentially fatal consequences.</p>
<p>Motorists were further advised to obey traffic control instructions and avoid obstructing emergency personnel.</p>
<p class="ari-link"><strong>Read also:</strong> <a href="https://sparknewsdaily.com.ng/neco-announces-2026-ssce-results-records-sharp-drop-in-malpractice/">NECO Announces 2026 SSCE Results, Records Sharp Drop in Malpractice</a></p><p>Reiterating the FRSC&#8217;s commitment to road safety, Mohammed said the Corps would intensify public education, operational surveillance and enforcement to promote responsible driving and protect road users.</p>
<p>He emphasised that road safety remained a collective national responsibility, urging drivers, fleet operators and other road users to ensure that their actions did not endanger innocent lives.</p>

FRSC Orders Probe into Otedola Bridge Tanker Inferno, Blames Excessive Speed
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