Tanker Fire at Epe T-Junction Triggers Severe Traffic Gridlock; Emergency Crews Contain Blaze

A fuel tanker caught fire at the T-Junction in Temu Epe, Lagos, causing massive traffic. Firefighters have extinguished the blaze, and LASTMA is managing diversions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 5:35 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

Morning Commute Disrupted by Major Fire Outbreak

A routine Monday morning commute turned into a logistical crisis for Lagosians as a tanker caught fire at the strategic T-Junction inward Temu Epe. The blaze, which began during the early peak hours, sent thick plumes of black smoke into the atmosphere, visible from several kilometers away. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident via its official social media channels, advising the public that the area had been cordoned off to prevent secondary explosions. The heat from the inferno caused nearby motorists to abandon their vehicles, leading to a massive buildup of traffic across the corridor.

Coordinated Emergency Response and Containment

The response to the emergency was swift, involving a multi-agency effort. Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived on the scene while the tanker was still fully engulfed. Working alongside the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and LASTMA, fire personnel deployed chemical foam to suppress the fuel-fed flames. Footage from the scene showed the intensity of the fire before crews were able to bring it under control. By mid-morning, a follow-up report confirmed that the blaze had been successfully extinguished, though the tanker itself was reduced to a charred metallic frame.

Massive Gridlock and Strategic Diversions

The fire caused an immediate cessation of traffic for all classes of vehicles, including heavy-duty trailers, private cars, tricycles (kekes), and motorcycles (okadas). To manage the growing gridlock, LASTMA and FRSC officers implemented emergency diversions, directing motorists to alternative routes to bypass the Temu Epe axis. Despite these efforts, the volume of diverted traffic caused secondary congestion on smaller feeder roads. Officials remained on-site for several hours after the fire was out to coordinate the towing of the wreckage and the cleaning of the asphalt, which was slick with oil and fire-suppression chemicals.