A fuel tanker overturned this morning at the busy Tincan Liverpool Bridge in Apapa, Lagos, causing panic, traffic disruption, and a dangerous scramble by residents who rushed to scoop its contents from beneath the bridge.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said the tanker lost balance while navigating the bridge and fell sideways, spilling fuel onto the roadway and the area below. Within minutes of the incident, a crowd gathered under the bridge with containers, attempting to collect the leaking fuel despite the obvious risks.

The incident quickly brought traffic to a standstill along major routes leading into Apapa, a critical commercial hub that hosts the nation’s busiest ports. Motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles as thick congestion spread across the area, with security personnel struggling to control movement around the scene. Videos and photos circulating on social media showed residents scooping fuel directly from the overturned tanker while others looked on. The images sparked immediate concern among safety experts and emergency responders, given the high risk of fire outbreaks associated with fuel spills.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were among the first responders at the scene, working to cordon off the affected area and divert traffic. Officers were seen urging residents to leave the vicinity as a precaution, warning that even a minor spark could lead to an explosion.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) also confirmed that its response team had been deployed to the bridge. According to preliminary information, efforts were underway to secure the tanker, prevent further leakage, and manage crowd control.No official report of casualties had been released as of the time of filing this report. Authorities said investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the accident and assess the extent of the fuel spillage.

Safety Concerns and Public Reactions

The scene reignited public debate around fuel scooping during tanker accidents, a recurring issue in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. On social media, many Nigerians expressed shock and frustration over the incident, describing the situation as a tragic reflection of economic hardship and poor safety awareness.

Some users criticized the lack of immediate enforcement to keep residents away from the spill, while others called for stronger public education on the dangers of fuel scooping. Several Lagos residents also questioned why tanker accidents remain frequent along Apapa routes, pointing to poor road conditions and heavy-duty truck congestion.

Emergency officials reiterated that tanker accidents pose severe threats to lives, property, and the environment. Fuel spills can lead to fires, toxic exposure, and long-term damage to surrounding communities if not properly contained.

As of press time, security agencies were still working to disperse the crowd and restore order at the bridge. Traffic officials advised motorists to avoid the Apapa corridor and use alternative routes until cleanup and recovery operations are completed.