A petrol tanker accident nearly turned into a disaster on Sunday when a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit overturned and caught fire at Iyana-Isolo, inward Oshodi, Lagos.
The fire quickly spread to at least four parked trucks in the area, causing panic among motorists and residents. Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) quickly moved in, cordoning off the scene and diverting traffic from Ilasa inward Oshodi to prevent more damage.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the quick response of emergency teams saved lives and property.
“No human casualties were recorded, thanks to the swift intervention of LASTMA operatives and other agencies,” he said.
Bakare-Oki explained that operatives from adjoining zones worked with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigeria Police Force divisions in Aswani, Ilasa, and Mushin, as well as the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, to contain the fire.
Preliminary findings showed that overspeeding caused the driver to lose control of the tanker, leading to the crash.
Bakare-Oki cautioned tanker drivers and other heavy-duty vehicle operators to strictly obey traffic rules, especially speed limits, to avoid such accidents.
“We are committed to protecting lives and property, but drivers must play their part by following traffic regulations,” he added.
LASTMA spokesman, Adebayo Taofiq, urged Lagos residents to report road emergencies and traffic incidents using the agency’s toll-free hotline, 080000527862, to help prevent avoidable tragedies.
