Journalist Mourns Mechanic Who Died Saving Car In Otedola Bridge Explosion

Nigerian journalist Dotun Oladipo has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of his mechanic, Rotimi Olaleye, who lost his life trying to save a client’s car during the Otedola Bridge gas tanker explosion.

The explosion, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed four lives, injured over 20 people, and destroyed several vehicles, including those at nearby mechanic workshops.

In a heartfelt tribute published on Friday, Oladipo recounted how he had narrowly escaped the disaster with his wife and daughter.

I write this with both pain and gratitude. Pain for the loss of a hardworking and honest man, Rotimi Olaleye, a devoted father who single-handedly raised his children after his wife’s passing five years ago.

“He was also a meticulous and reliable mechanic, as attested by his clients, including myself. Though I met him less than a week before his death, his impact remains unforgettable. Gratitude?

“I was just seconds away from the inferno that claimed his life, along with my wife and first child.

“I met him on March 8, 2025, after deciding to change my mechanic. He came highly recommended by Mr. Akinola Ayeni, the best car air conditioning technician I had encountered.

“We took my car for a test drive, and he quickly identified issues, including a dangerously loose ABS wire. He fixed it immediately but insisted other repairs wait until Monday due to prior commitments. I appreciated his honesty.

“On Monday, I took the car to him. He was thorough and refused to rush the job, despite knowing I planned to bring my other car for servicing afterward.

“On Tuesday morning, an accident occurred on Otedola Bridge, delaying my wife’s trip. We live in a well-organised estate near OPIC in Ogun State. Meanwhile, Mr. Olaleye, stuck in traffic from Mowe, kept updating me on his progress until 6 PM when he declared the car ready.

“When I asked if I should come over, he refused, wanting the car washed first. I offered to handle it the next day, but he insisted. At 7 PM, he called to say the washing was done.

“I informed my wife, Mrs. Taiwo Oladipo, and we prepared to leave. However, our daughter, Ewaoluwa, a 500-level Chemical Engineering student, was still at a friend’s house, so we waited. Later, en route, my wife and daughter insisted we buy drinking water at a supermarket in Ogba, where it was cheaper. Though reluctant, I relented. This delay lasted about 10 minutes.

“Navigating through the New Afrika Shrine area, we approached the mechanic village gate where Mr. Olaleye waited. As we descended Otedola Bridge, my wife spotted an out-of-control truck.

“Instinct took over—I swerved toward CMD Road. Within seconds, the truck crashed, rupturing its gas-filled tanker. The sky turned blue, a telltale sign of escaping gas. As I dialed Mr. Olaleye’s number, the explosion erupted.

“Panic ensued. A woman banged on my car, urging me to move. My wife was also agitated, but I hesitated, hoping to reach Mr. Olaleye. His phone rang, then stopped.

“I called Mr. Ayeni, who was at Agidingbi. He had just spoken to Mr. Olaleye, who was still waiting with my car. By the time Mr. Ayeni and others arrived, they found Mr. Olaleye lying face down, barely alive. He had told his apprentices to flee while he attempted to save my car. Sadly, he didn’t survive. That night, I wept.” Oladipo wrote.

While hailing the late mechanic’s work ethics, the publisher wished he had answered his call to leave the car and save his life.

He further described Olaleye as a hardworking and honest man who single-handedly raised his children after his wife’s passing.

The journalist also criticized the inefficacy of Nigeria’s third-party vehicle insurance system, which leaves victims without compensation for such accidents.

He called for stricter traffic enforcement and commended the gas company responsible for the ill-fated tanker for assisting victims and supporting Olaleye’s children.

Subsequently, Oladipo also disclosed that a Zenith bank staff and his wife were among those who perished in the inferno.

“I later learned a Zenith Bank staff member and his wife also perished. He had just returned from vacation that day. May their souls, and those of others lost, rest in peace.” He wrote.

Oladipo concluded his tribute by lamenting the continued recklessness of truck drivers in Lagos, urging authorities to take urgent action to prevent similar tragedies.