A tragic gas tanker explosion on the notorious Otedola Bridge in Lagos has claimed the lives of a newlywed couple, Dozie and Joan Okoye, just weeks after their wedding. The devastating incident, which occurred on the evening of Tuesday, March 11, 2025, has left family, friends, and the public in deep shock, reigniting concerns about the recurring dangers of fuel-laden trucks on Nigerian roads.
The couple, who had celebrated their union in a grand ceremony on February 22, 2025, were on their way home when the explosion struck, turning what should have been a joyful journey into an unthinkable nightmare. According to sources, their families became alarmed when both their phone lines suddenly went unreachable. A frantic search led their loved ones to various medical centers, including the Burns Center in Gbagada and the Yaba Mortuary. It was at the mortuary that their worst fears were confirmed—their charred remains were among the victims of the explosion. The only identifying clue that helped confirm their identities was their vehicle’s registration number, which was found in the wreckage of burnt-out cars.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment the explosion occurred, sending shockwaves across the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. At approximately 8:08 pm, a 30-tonne gas tanker, reportedly owned by a nearby gas station, lost control and overturned. Within seconds, an enormous fireball erupted, engulfing several vehicles and structures in its path. The deafening blast sent panic-stricken motorists and pedestrians running for their lives as thick black smoke filled the sky.
In addition to the Okoyes, the explosion claimed the lives of at least two other individuals, including Rotimi Adeleye, an auto mechanic who was caught in the inferno while trying to salvage vehicles from the flames. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, with emergency responders rushing to the scene to provide urgent medical attention. The explosion also caused extensive damage to properties, reducing multiple vehicles to ashes and severely impacting businesses in the area.
One of the most affected establishments was the De-Twist Dental Clinic, which suffered heavy structural damage. A generator house and the security post of a nearby church were also affected, with debris scattered across the area. The force of the blast was so intense that it shattered windows and left a trail of destruction that could be seen from miles away.
The tragedy has sparked renewed outrage among Lagos residents and safety advocates, who are calling for stricter regulations on fuel transportation and better enforcement of safety measures. Otedola Bridge has become a notorious accident hotspot, with multiple deadly incidents recorded over the years. Many Nigerians are demanding immediate government intervention to prevent further disasters, urging authorities to impose tighter controls on tanker operations and improve road infrastructure to reduce the risks posed by heavy-duty vehicles.
As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, grieving families are left to mourn their loved ones, whose lives were cruelly cut short. The story of Dozie and Joan Okoye is one of heartbreak and devastation; a young couple with their entire future ahead of them, only to have it tragically taken away in an instant.
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