Disaster was narrowly avoided in Apapa, Lagos, yesterday after police from the Area Command, Apapa, and officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) intervened to disperse residents attempting to scoop diesel from a fallen tanker at Liverpool area.

The fully loaded tanker toppled off a bridge at midday, spilling diesel across the road and causing several hours of traffic gridlock. Onlookers and local residents rushed to collect the highly flammable fuel, ignoring the obvious safety risks.

According to, police and LASTMA officials quickly arrived on the scene and successfully dispersed the crowd. LASTMA later confirmed via X that traffic was diverted to the opposite side of the bridge for safety. Emergency personnel from the Lagos State Fire Service, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) were on hand to prevent accidents, evacuate vehicles, and restore traffic flow.

Videos shared by LASTMA showed people using jerry cans and buckets to collect diesel. Fortunately, no fire or injuries were reported. By 3 p.m., the road had been reopened. It remains unclear if the tanker’s fall was due to brake failure.