The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in the early hours of Monday averted what could have resulted in a major fire outbreak after a gas-laden tanker truck overturned along the main carriageway at Chisco, before the traffic light inward Victoria Island, Lagos.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred when the driver of the white Howo truck, loaded with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders, lost control and overturned on the busy expressway. The mishap, involving a highly flammable product, posed an immediate and severe threat to lives and property.
According to Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, operatives of the agency swiftly secured the scene to prevent leakage or ignition that could have led to an explosion.
“Our officers acted swiftly to cordon off the affected area and secure the gas cylinders to avert any possible disaster. The prompt response of our team and other emergency agencies ensured that the situation was brought under control before it escalated,” Adebayo stated.
He added that LASTMA’s Rescue and Emergency Unit immediately activated a multi-agency emergency response involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
Through the coordinated efforts of the responders, the overturned gas truck was professionally recovered using heavy-duty cranes and advanced recovery equipment mobilized to the site.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who was present at the scene, commended his officers for their professionalism and courage. “Our officers displayed remarkable precision, professionalism, and courage in managing the situation. Their immediate action prevented what could have been an unspeakable tragedy. The recovery process was executed under the highest safety protocols,” Bakare-Oki said.
He disclosed that additional LASTMA personnel were deployed to manage the resulting traffic congestion and ensure the safety of commuters within the Victoria Island corridor.
During the operation, the main carriageway from Chisco inward Victoria Island was temporarily closed, while motorists were diverted through the new coastal road and reconnected via Bar Beach to maintain traffic flow until normalcy was restored.
Bakare-Oki stressed the need for truck drivers and operators of articulated vehicles transporting flammable materials to strictly observe speed limits, ensure vehicle maintenance, and exercise heightened caution, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
He cautioned that products such as gas, petrol, diesel, and kerosene require utmost care during transportation to avoid preventable disasters.
Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to public safety, the LASTMA boss assured that the agency, in collaboration with allied emergency and enforcement bodies, would continue to uphold the highest standards of traffic discipline and emergency response in pursuit of a safer, more resilient Lagos.
