A potential tragedy was narrowly averted in Lagos on Monday morning when operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) swiftly contained a dangerous situation involving an overturned gas-laden tanker along the Chisco axis, inward Victoria Island.
The dramatic incident, which occurred in the early hours, involved a white Howo truck fully loaded with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders. Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to topple across the busy carriageway.
The mishap instantly raised fears of a major fire outbreak, as the volatile nature of the CNG posed a grave risk to lives and properties in the densely populated corridor.
LASTMA personnel, arriving promptly at the scene, wasted no time in securing the area. They cordoned off the entire stretch, preventing movement of both vehicles and pedestrians to avert any possible ignition.
Recognizing the magnitude of the danger, the agency’s Rescue and Emergency Unit immediately activated a multi-agency response plan to ensure a coordinated containment operation.
Within minutes, key responders including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) joined forces with LASTMA to mitigate the threat.
Through this synergy, the situation was brought under control, with no casualties recorded. The gas tanker and its cylinders were successfully stabilized, averting what could have been an explosive disaster.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who personally visited the scene, commended the courage and professionalism displayed by the responding officers and partner agencies.
He explained that the recovery operation was executed using advanced heavy-duty cranes and other technical equipment to safely lift and secure the overturned truck without triggering any gas leaks.
“Our officers showed remarkable discipline and precision,” Bakare-Oki said. “Their timely intervention prevented what could have been a catastrophic inferno in this busy business corridor.”
To manage the traffic disruption caused by the incident, additional LASTMA officers were deployed to the area.
Motorists were temporarily diverted through the newly constructed coastal road, reconnecting via Bar Beach until the scene was cleared.
The General Manager confirmed that normal vehicular movement was restored after the successful recovery operation, emphasizing that all safety protocols were meticulously observed.
Bakare-Oki used the opportunity to caution truck drivers and operators of articulated vehicles transporting hazardous materials to always comply with traffic and safety regulations.
He urged them to maintain their vehicles in optimal condition, observe speed limits, and exercise extreme caution, especially when carrying flammable products such as gas, diesel, and kerosene.
Highlighting the broader implications, the LASTMA boss stressed that incidents like this underscore the importance of continuous driver education and strict enforcement of haulage safety standards across the state.
Reassuring Lagos residents, Bakare-Oki reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to safety, order, and proactive emergency response under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of a “Greater, Safer, and More Resilient Lagos.”
