What began as a routine Tuesday night turned into a nightmare for commuters and bystanders as a massive fire engulfed Otedola Bridge in Lagos, leaving destruction and heartbreak in its wake. Survivors share their stories of loss, survival, and hope.
The Inferno: A Night of Chaos and Destruction
On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday night, chaos erupted on Otedola Bridge when a gas tanker’s brakes failed, triggering a catastrophic fire. The blaze quickly spread, consuming vehicles, businesses, and nearby structures, including a mechanic workshop, a hospital, and several shops.
Our reporter at the scene counted 18 vehicles, including a Toyota Venza, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Murano, as well as 10 tricycles, all reduced to charred remains. The fire’s intensity left survivors in shock and the community grappling with the aftermath.
The Cause: Poor Maintenance and Negligence
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, attributed the accident to poor truck maintenance. He revealed that the tanker had violated Lagos State law by ignoring a “no truck allowed” sign on the bridge.
“The failure of truck owners to properly inspect and maintain their vehicles is a major concern,” Osiyemi said. “The Ministry of Transportation will enforce stricter policies to prevent such accidents in the future.”
Survivors’ Stories: Loss, Grief, and Gratitude
For those who witnessed the fire, the memories are etched in their minds. Adekola Kosoko, a mechanic at the workshop near the bridge, recounted the terrifying moments.
“The tanker was coming from Magodo Road. We heard the driver shouting, ‘No brake, no brake!’ and suddenly, there was a deafening sound followed by fire,” Kosoko said, his voice trembling. “One of our colleagues died. He was trying to drive back to the workshop when the fire caught up with him and burned him in his car.”
The fire also affected De-Twist Dental Specialist, a hospital located near the bridge. A doctor at the hospital, still in shock, described the incident as a “narrow escape.”
Journalist Abiola Ismaeel was among the victims whose vehicles were destroyed. “My Peugeot 607 was among those consumed by the fire. I brought it here three days ago for my mechanic to fix, and now I’m confused. I don’t know what to do,” he said, his voice filled with despair.
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A Miracle Amid the Flames
Despite the widespread destruction, some properties were miraculously spared. A Redeemed Christian Church of God, located just a few meters from the bridge, remained largely untouched except for minor damage to one of its exit doors.
Oluwatoyin Akinola, a church member, described the experience as “beyond human reasoning.”
“I was called to bring the key to the church’s bus, so I was here that night. I saw the fire, but I can’t explain how our church was spared. It’s just the hand of God. It’s beyond human reasoning,” Akinola said, raising her hands in thanksgiving.
Resilience in the Face of Tragedy
As survivors begin to pick up the pieces, many are counting their blessings. “I’m just grateful to be alive,” said one survivor. “It’s a second chance at life, and I’m not going to take it for granted.”
The Otedola Bridge fire has left a scar on the city, but it has also highlighted the resilience and strength of the human spirit. In the face of tragedy, the community has come together, offering support and finding hope in the midst of despair.
Lessons Learned: A Call for Action
The fire on Otedola Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and road safety regulations. It also underscores the need for emergency preparedness and infrastructure improvements to prevent such incidents in the future.
As Lagos mourns the lives lost and the property destroyed, the survivors’ stories remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
