Fatal Collision Between Speeding Truck And Gas Tanker Ignites Massive Firestorm Along Lekki-Epe Expressway In Lagos

Speeding truck hits gas tanker in Sangotedo, killing two and destroying 13 buildings. Lagos firefighters prevent larger blast at nearby fuel station.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 7:47 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Daily Trust

Pre-Dawn Disaster on the Lekki-Epe Corridor

A catastrophic traffic accident in the early hours of Saturday has claimed two lives and caused extensive property damage in the Sangotedo area of Lagos. According to official reports from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the incident occurred at approximately 2:36 a.m. when a heavy-duty vehicle collided with a gas tanker. The resulting impact triggered a high-intensity fire that rapidly moved through the immediate vicinity, transforming a segment of the highway into a hazardous zone of burning wreckage and commercial ruins.

Collision Mechanics and Immediate Ignition

Preliminary investigations suggest that the tragedy was caused by a 20-tonne tipper truck traveling at high speed from the Epe axis. The truck reportedly rammed into the rear of a 30-tonne gas tanker that had stopped along the highway but remained partially on the transit lane. This impact caused a massive breach and subsequent ignition of the gas, which instantly engulfed both vehicles. While the operator of the gas tanker managed to escape the vehicle without injury, the occupants of the tipper truck were not as fortunate.

Commercial Destruction and Infrastructure Loss

The reach of the inferno extended far beyond the point of impact, spreading to a row of commercial properties lining the expressway. Margaret Adeseye, the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that the fire razed ten roadside shops and three warehouses. Among the destroyed facilities were a local gymnasium and a generator house, representing a significant loss of infrastructure for the Sangotedo business community. Firefighting crews from Lekki Phase II, Oniru, and Epe II were required to manage the escalating situation.