The burnt-out diesel tanker lying beneath Otedola Bridge in Lagos has continued to pose a safety risk days after the fire incident, prompting renewed emergency operations by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

The agency said its response team returned to the scene on Wednesday after receiving a distress call about a leaking pipe around the bridge, raising concerns about additional fuel spillage, a possible fire outbreak and environmental damage.

According to LASEMA, the call came through its Central Response Mechanism at 1.50 p.m., prompting the immediate activation of the Tiger Response Team from the Command and Control Centre. The team arrived at the scene 10 minutes later.

On arrival, the responders discovered that the burnt tanker from the earlier incident was still beneath the bridge, with its contents continuing to spill. The situation was further complicated by people attempting to scoop the leaking diesel, exposing themselves and other road users to the danger of a possible fire or explosion.

Working with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the emergency team immediately began blanketing operations to suppress flammable vapours and reduce the risk of the wreckage catching fire again.

The responders also cordoned off the affected area and dispersed those scooping fuel before handing over the scene to police officers for continued security surveillance.

The incident has highlighted the dangers that can persist long after a tanker fire has been brought under control, particularly when leaking fuel and unauthorised access to accident scenes create the risk of a secondary disaster.

LASEMA said its continued presence at Otedola Bridge over three consecutive days was aimed at ensuring the area was safe and preventing another incident while arrangements were being made to remove the burnt tanker.

The agency added that the recovery operation would be completed in line with safety protocols and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

It warned the public against scooping fuel at accident scenes, stressing that the practice could trigger a catastrophic fire or explosion, endangering life and property.

The agency also acknowledged the cooperation of its response teams, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining safety at the scene.

Residents were urged to report emergencies promptly through the state’s toll-free emergency numbers, 767 and 112.