Motorist flees to safety after lorry erupts in flames close to Otedola Bridge in Lagos

A dramatic incident unfolded on Saturday evening when a truck caught fire near the Alausa Secretariat, close to the Otedola Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, with the driver managing to escape unscathed.

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This near-tragic event occurred just hours after a devastating explosion involving a trailer and a gas truck along the Lekki-Epe corridor, which claimed the lives of two individuals, a driver and their assistant.

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Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, issued a statement on Sunday, revealing that the Otedola Bridge incident involved a Mack truck carrying an empty 20-foot container that suddenly burst into flames while in motion.

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According to Bakare-Oki, preliminary assessments indicated that the vehicle's abrupt ignition posed an immediate threat to nearby road users and critical infrastructure, prompting a swift response from LASTMA personnel.

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Their primary objective of preserving human life was successfully achieved, as they rescued the truck driver from the inferno without any injuries, demonstrating remarkable vigilance and professionalism.

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Bakare-Oki noted that given the high-risk location, particularly around the Otedola Bridge corridor, LASTMA operatives quickly activated emergency response protocols and collaborated with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

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The joint effort resulted in the rapid containment of the fire, preventing it from escalating into a major incident and ensuring the timely restoration of traffic flow, which minimized disruption for commuters along the route.

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Bakare-Oki praised the operatives for their composure and professionalism in handling the situation, reaffirming the agency's commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the state.

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Motorists were advised by Bakare-Oki to perform regular mechanical and electrical checks on their vehicles and exercise caution while driving to prevent similar incidents from occurring.