Dotun Oladipo Recounts Otedola Bridge Tanker Fire Tragedy

Lagos, Nigeria — Dotun Oladipo narrowly escaped death in the Otedola Bridge tanker fire that claimed the life of his mechanic, Rotimi Olaleye, and destroyed his car. Oladipo, along with his wife and daughter, evaded the disaster by mere seconds, but the harrowing experience left an indelible mark.

Olaleye, a diligent auto mechanic and single father who had been raising his children since the death of his wife five years ago, was tragically killed in the inferno. Oladipo, who had only recently become acquainted with Olaleye, recounted the mechanic’s exceptional professionalism and dedication to his craft.

“I met Mr. Olaleye on March 8, 2025, through an introduction by Mr. Akinola Ayeni, a top car air conditioning technician. Olaleye quickly identified issues with my vehicle and worked meticulously to resolve them,” Oladipo shared.

On the fateful day, Olaleye had just completed servicing Oladipo’s car and was waiting for him at the mechanic village near Otedola Bridge. However, a delay in purchasing household items and picking up Oladipo’s daughter led to an unexpected detour. This slight delay proved to be lifesaving.

As they approached the scene, Oladipo’s wife spotted a truck that had lost control. Acting on instinct, Oladipo diverted towards CMD Road. Moments later, the tanker exploded, engulfing the area in flames. Oladipo attempted to reach Olaleye via phone, but the call went unanswered.

Olaleye’s dedication to his work was evident until the end. Witnesses reported that he urged his apprentices to flee while he attempted to secure Oladipo’s car. Unfortunately, Olaleye was unable to escape the flames.

Emergency responders arrived within 15 to 20 minutes, but their efforts were hindered by limited resources. By the time help reached Olaleye, he was still breathing but succumbed to his injuries due to delayed assistance.

The Lagos State Government’s response was commendable in clearing the scene within 18 hours, yet the tragedy highlighted the inadequacies in the city’s emergency response system. Additionally, concerns were raised about the faulty condition of the truck, owned by Second Coming Gas Company. The company has since reached out to victims and pledged support to Olaleye’s children.

Criticism was also directed at the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Lagos State Traffic Emergency Management Agency for their lax enforcement of traffic laws, especially concerning commercial vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

In a somber reflection, Oladipo lamented, “In the short period I knew Mr. Olaleye, he left an impact I will never forget. His meticulousness and dedication to his craft were unparalleled. Adieu, Mr. Olaleye.”

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and improved emergency response capabilities to prevent future occurrences.