Fuel tanker overturns on Lagos road

A tanker carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit overturned on Ijako Road near Oke Oso on the Ajah Expressway in Epe, Lagos, on Friday. According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the mechanical failure caused the Mack tanker's propeller to detach, leading to the vehicle losing momentum and rolling onto its side.

One compartment of the tanker was found to be leaking. The agency's Whales Team arrived at the scene four minutes after receiving the distress alert and immediately initiated safety and containment measures. No fatalities or injuries were reported. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Oke Oso Station, also began containment measures to prevent a potential fire outbreak and environmental hazard.

LASEMA coordinated the emergency response, involving personnel from various agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and representatives of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers. An empty tanker was brought in to safely transfer the petroleum product, allowing for recovery operations to begin.

LASEMA praised the swift inter-agency response and commended the professionalism of the emergency responders. They urged motorists to cooperate with traffic officials and avoid the immediate area to ensure uninterrupted emergency operations. Further updates would be provided as the situation evolved. Residents were advised to contact LASEMA's toll-free emergency lines, 112 or 767, in case of emergencies.