Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, has cautioned residents against endangering their lives following the fall of a diesel tanker on Liverpool Bridge in Apapa.
The governor said the safety of lives and property must always take priority over material gain.
The warning followed the circulation of a video showing residents scooping diesel from a fallen tanker.
The incident caused panic as the inflammable product spilled freely on the bridge.
Sanwo-Olu said the situation could have resulted in a major disaster if emergency responders had not acted swiftly.
He stressed that Lagos, as a megacity, required heightened safety consciousness from residents.
Officials of the Lagos State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police, and LASTMA were deployed to the scene.
Traffic was also diverted to prevent further danger and allow emergency operations.
The Management Agency said the affected section of the bridge was temporarily cordoned off.
A counter-flow traffic system was introduced to manage congestion during recovery efforts.
Emergency responders successfully contained and neutralised the spilled diesel.
Authorities confirmed that no fire outbreak occurred during the incident.
LASTMA later announced the reopening of the cordoned section after safety measures were completed.
Traffic movement gradually improved while arrangements were made to remove the tanker.
Authorities expressed concern over the continued practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
They warned that such actions expose individuals to severe fire and health risks.
Officials recalled previous tanker explosions in Niger State that claimed dozens of lives.
They urged Nigerians to learn from past tragedies and avoid similar risks.
The Lagos State Government called on residents to cooperate with emergency officials during incidents.
It reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and preventing avoidable disasters.
