Two persons sustained severe burns yesterday after a diesel-laden tanker plunged from Otedola Bridge in Lagos and burst into flames beneath the bridge.

Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service battled the inferno to prevent it from spreading and causing further casualties or damage to nearby infrastructure.

The two victims were rescued from the danger zone and evacuated for urgent medical attention by the Rescue Unit of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

They were taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, Toll-Gate, where they were admitted for treatment.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its emergency response team worked with other agencies to rescue the victims and support efforts to contain the fire.

Other agencies involved in the operation included the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, police personnel from the Alausa Police Division and LASEMA’s Rescue Unit.

Commending the responders, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised their promptness and professionalism, saying their coordinated efforts facilitated the rescue and evacuation of the injured victims.

He wished the victims a speedy recovery and stressed the importance of rapid emergency response and inter-agency collaboration in saving lives during road accidents.

Bakare-Oki also reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to traffic management, enforcement and emergency coordination across Lagos State.

He urged operators of heavy-duty and articulated vehicles to conduct regular mechanical inspections, comply with prescribed safety standards and drive responsibly to prevent avoidable accidents.

The Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting life and property through prompt emergency response.

She urged motorists to exercise caution around emergency scenes and obey safety instructions issued by responders.