Major fire tragedy averted as gas tanker overturns in Lagos — LASTMA

A major disaster was prevented in Lagos on Monday after a gas-laden tanker overturned along the Chisco axis inward Victoria Island.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the incident occurred in the early hours of the day when a white Howo truck carrying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders lost control and fell on the busy carriageway.

Preliminary investigations showed that the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn and posing a grave threat to lives and property due to the highly flammable nature of the gas.

In a statement posted on X, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, said operatives swiftly cordoned off the area and secured the gas cylinders to prevent any leakage or explosion.

He said a multi-agency emergency response was activated, involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the Nigeria Police, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who was present at the scene, commended the swift response of all agencies involved.

“Our officers displayed remarkable professionalism and courage in managing the situation. Their swift action prevented what could have been an unspeakable tragedy,” Bakare-Oki said.

He confirmed that the overturned tanker was safely recovered using heavy-duty cranes and that traffic diversions were implemented through the new coastal road and Bar Beach until the road was reopened.

Bakare-Oki urged truck drivers transporting flammable products to strictly adhere to safety standards and speed limits, warning that negligence could lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Recent figures from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) show that tanker-related accidents remain a major concern, with over 500 incidents recorded in 2024 alone.

In June, a petrol tanker explosion on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway destroyed six vehicles, while another crash involving a diesel tanker on Ozumba Mbadiwe Way raised fresh concerns about the transportation of hazardous materials in populated areas.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening public safety and emergency preparedness through continuous inter-agency collaboration.