Major Fire Erupts After Petrol Tanker Overturns in Lagos
On Sunday, a fully loaded tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, overturned while en route through Lagos, instantly igniting a fierce blaze.
Incident Overview and Cause
According to Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the fire rapidly escalated, engulfing not only the tanker but also at least four nearby trucks parked along the same stretch. Initial investigations suggest that excessive speed was the primary factor, causing the driver to lose control while navigating the inward Oshodi corridor near Iyana-Isolo.
Emergency Response and Containment Efforts
LASTMA demonstrated exceptional operational agility and commitment to traffic-warden/” title=”Ibadan court sentences Tricycle operator for assaulting … warden”>public safety by swiftly coordinating a multi-agency response. Under the leadership of the agency’s operational command, responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Nigeria Police Force units from Aswani, Ilasa, and Mushin divisions, as well as personnel from the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, collaborated effectively to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage.
Additional Support and Safety Measures
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, confirmed that reinforcements from neighboring zones were promptly deployed to strengthen containment efforts. Thanks to the rapid intervention and immediate cordoning off of the affected corridor, no casualties were reported. Traffic was restricted from Ilasa inward Oshodi to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency operations.
Call for Compliance and Public Cooperation
Mr. Bakare-Oki urged drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, including fuel tankers and articulated trucks, to strictly observe speed limits clearly posted by the Lagos State Government. He stressed that adherence to these regulations is vital to safeguarding lives, protecting property, and maintaining safe transportation corridors throughout Lagos.
He also encouraged the public to utilize LASTMA’s toll-free hotline to report any traffic incidents or emergencies promptly, assuring that the agency remains ready to respond decisively to any situation.
LASTMA’s Commitment to Road Safety
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority reiterated its steadfast dedication to preserving human life, securing property, and fostering a safe, orderly, and sustainable traffic environment across Lagos State.
Contextual Insight
With Lagos experiencing a surge in vehicular traffic-recent statistics indicate a 15% increase in heavy-duty vehicle movement over the past year-such incidents underscore the critical need for stringent traffic regulation enforcement and public awareness campaigns to prevent future tragedies.
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