A young couple, Dozie and Joan, who had just celebrated their wedding weeks earlier, were among the victims of a devastating gas tanker explosion on the Otedola Bridge in Lagos.
The tragic incident occurred on the evening of March 11, 2025, when a 30-tonne gas tanker erupted in flames, engulfing multiple vehicles in its path. The newlyweds, full of hope after their February 22 marriage, were returning home when disaster struck.
For hours after the explosion, frantic family members tried reaching the couple, only to be met with unanswered calls. Their worst fears were confirmed when responders identified their remains through their vehicle's registration number among the charred wreckage.
The blast also claimed the life of Rotimi Adeleye, a local auto mechanic, and severely damaged nearby buildings including a dental clinic and church property.
At their emotional burial service, grieving loved ones struggled to comprehend the cruel twist of fate that cut short two bright lives so soon after their joyful union. Friends described the couple as kind, ambitious souls who had been planning their future together.
The tragedy has left the community heartbroken, serving as a painful reminder of life's fragility. As investigators work to determine the explosion's cause, many are calling for improved safety measures along the busy expressway to prevent similar disasters.
For now, family members cling to memories of the couple's brief but happy marriage - a love story that ended far too soon.