A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, March 21, 2026, along the Lekki Epe Expressway, leaving two people dead and several properties destroyed.

The accident occurred near Tera Ahmed Bus Stop in Sangotedo, where a fast moving tipper truck crashed into a stationary gas tanker, triggering a massive fire that quickly spread across the area.

How the Incident Happened

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the crash happened around 2:36 AM. A 20 tonne tipper truck coming from the Epe axis rammed into the back of a 30 tonne gas tanker that had been left parked along the road.

Officials explained that the tanker was not properly positioned off the highway, making it a dangerous obstruction for oncoming vehicles. The force of the collision caused a rupture in the tanker, which immediately ignited and led to a powerful explosion.

Lives Lost and Properties Destroyed

The fire claimed the lives of the tipper driver and his assistant, whose bodies were later recovered in a severely burnt condition. The driver of the gas tanker was said to have escaped without injuries.

The damage extended far beyond the vehicles involved. The fire spread rapidly to nearby buildings, destroying three warehouses and about ten roadside shops. Among the affected structures were a gym facility and a generator house.

Several vehicles were also burnt in the incident, including three Toyota Sienna buses, a Toyota Corolla, and a forklift found within the affected premises.

Emergency responders noted that the situation could have been far worse. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze just a short distance from a Total Filling Station, where a fully loaded petrol tanker was present at the time.

Emergency Response and Aftermath

Firefighters from multiple stations, including Lekki Phase II, Oniru, and Epe II, worked together to bring the situation under control. The fire has since been extinguished, though officials continued cooling operations and clearing debris well into the morning.

Traffic along the expressway was heavily affected for several hours as emergency teams and officials from traffic management agencies cleared the wreckage. Movement has now returned to normal, but residents in the area are still dealing with the shock of the incident.

Renewed Concerns Over Road Safety

The tragedy has once again brought attention to the dangers posed by heavy duty vehicles parked carelessly on major roads. Road safety advocates and residents are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.

There are growing demands for tougher penalties for drivers who leave trucks on active highways without proper warning signs. Others are urging authorities to improve monitoring of speeding tipper drivers, especially during late night movements. Increased patrols have also been suggested as a way to quickly identify and remove dangerous obstructions before they lead to more accidents.

This incident serves as a painful reminder of how quickly negligence on the road can lead to devastating consequences.