Residents scoop fuel as petrol tanker overturns on Tincan bridge [Video]

A petrol-laden tanker overturned on the Tincan Liverpool Bridge in the Apapa area of Lagos on Monday, sparking panic and a dangerous rush as residents and passersby scooped fuel from the fallen vehicle.

Eyewitnesses said the tanker tipped over in the early hours of the day, around rush hour, spilling its contents beneath the bridge and causing traffic disruption in the area.

Footage showed dozens of people armed with jerrycans, buckets and other containers scrambling to collect petrol leaking from the tanker.

Despite the obvious fire risk, residents were seen positioning containers directly under the overturned vehicle, while others waded through the spilled fuel to secure their share.

Disclosing this in a statement via X, the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) said traffic has been diverted to the other side of the bridge for safety measures.

According to the statement, emergency officials, including operatives of the Lagos State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and LASTMA, are currently on ground to avert a tragedy.

Also present are men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).

“Their presence is to prevent fire outbreaks, evacuation of truck and free flow of traffic”, the statement added.