A tragic fire under Lagos’ Otedola Bridge claimed the life of mechanic Rotimi Olaleye, who died trying to save customers’ vehicles from an explosion caused by a fallen gas tanker. The blaze destroyed nearby structures, injuring six people. His heroic sacrifice highlights ongoing safety concerns at the notorious accident spot.
A devastating fire under Lagos’ Otedola Bridge has claimed the life of an automobile mechanic who risked everything to protect his clients’ vehicles. The incident occurred after a gas-laden tanker overturned, igniting a massive explosion that engulfed a nearby church, residential building, and a mechanic yard.
Dotun Oladipo, CEO of Premium Eagle Media Limited, revealed that his trusted mechanic, Rotimi Olaleye, was among the casualties. Oladipo, who had planned to retrieve his wife’s car that night, narrowly escaped disaster with his family due to an unexpected stop at a supermarket.
Eyewitnesses recounted how Olaleye, rather than fleeing the inferno, urged his apprentices to seek safety while he stayed behind to move cars away from the raging flames. Tragically, his efforts ended in vain as the explosion engulfed the workshop.
Rescue teams arrived to battle the blaze, but the damage was already extensive. The fire injured at least six people and left two dead, further solidifying Otedola Bridge’s reputation as an accident-prone area.
Over the years, the bridge has witnessed multiple deadly incidents, including tanker explosions and container crashes. In 2023, a wheat-laden truck overturned, resulting in a fatality, and in 2021, a fire outbreak destroyed several vehicles.
As investigations continue, Olaleye’s bravery stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the sacrifices made in the face of tragedy. His actions, though heroic, highlight the urgent need for stricter safety measures on Nigeria’s accident-prone roads.
