The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said it regrets the gas tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge, which caused widespread damage and disruption on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi sympathised with those affected, just as he commended the swift response of emergency services working tirelessly to manage the aftermath.

Osiyemi said the incident reinforces the urgent need for stricter safety protocols for heavy-duty vehicles.

He noted that the ministry of transportation is also intensifying enforcement on the movement of hazardous materials, strengthening regulatory compliance, and implementing enhanced safety measures to prevent future occurrences.

“We call on all transport operators to uphold the highest safety standards and cooperate with government efforts to safeguard lives and property. Lagos remains committed to a safer, more resilient transport system for all,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said rescue reports show that the crash involved 11 males, five of which were injured while two were killed.

The FRSC Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said the crash which involved 15 vehicles was alleged to have occurred as a result of mechanical deficiency manifested through break failure.

He said the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, called on all fleet managers to make safety precautions a priority in fleet management.

He said Mohammed warned against neglecting necessary safety measures, stressing that appropriate sanctions will continue to be meted out to the drivers and vehicle owners who compromise safety to the detriment of other road users.