A CNG tanker explosion in Lagos killed two, injured 14, and destroyed buildings and vehicles. Rescue operations are ongoing.

A tanker truck carrying compressed natural gas (CNG) exploded in Lagos State, southwestern Nigeria, resulting in two deaths and 14 injuries, according to officials.

Nigeria has experienced multiple fuel tanker explosions in recent months, leading to approximately 300 fatalities. The latest explosion occurred on Tuesday night under Otedola Bridge, a major highway linking Lagos to other parts of the country. The truck was reportedly making a turn to deliver CNG to a nearby gas station close to the bridge when it tipped over.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with flames rapidly spreading to multiple vehicles and nearby structures.

Ajayi Segun, who lost his Sienna vehicle in the explosion, recounted the terrifying moment. "The tanker fell on my car and pushed it away from the road. I quickly ran when I saw the gas leaking, and the tanker exploded in less than three minutes," he told Anadolu news agency.

Lagos State Police Command spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin provided a preliminary report on the incident. He confirmed that four buildings were destroyed, and 15 vehicles were completely burned. "The accident was suspected to have occurred when the vehicle was trying to ascend the link road to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by Otedola Bridge," he explained. "Consequently, the vehicle somersaulted, spilled its entire contents on the road, and fire ignited immediately."

Authorities are still assessing the full extent of casualties. "So far, two bodies have been recovered. A private hospital was affected, but details of the victims there remain unclear. More updates will follow as rescue operations continue," Hundeyin stated.

The tanker’s registration number and make remain unknown. However, the inferno destroyed four buildings, 15 vehicles—including tricycles—as well as an unspecified number of shops and household properties.

Rescue operations are ongoing. This explosion marks the 10th such incident in Nigeria since the beginning of the year.