In a swift, well-coordinated, and exemplary emergency response, operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in the early hours of Monday, averted what could have resulted in an unprecedented fire disaster following the overturning of a gas-laden Howo white tanker truck along the main carriageway at Chisco, before the traffic light inward Victoria Island, Lagos.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred when the driver of the truck, fully loaded with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn on the busy expressway. Given the highly volatile nature of the product, the situation posed an immediate and severe threat to human life and property, necessitating urgent technical intervention.
Upon arriving at the scene, LASTMA personnel swiftly cordoned off the affected area, securing both the overturned vehicle and the CNG tanks to prevent any leakage or ignition that could have triggered an explosive conflagration.
Recognizing the magnitude of the potential danger, the LASTMA Rescue and Emergency Unit immediately activated a multi-agency emergency protocol, summoning key responders such as the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Through this rapid, inter-agency collaboration, the imminent threat was expertly contained, and normalcy was swiftly restored.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who was physically present at the scene, lauded the prompt and disciplined conduct of his officers and partner agencies.
He disclosed that the upturned gas tanker was professionally recovered using state-of-the-art heavy-duty cranes and recovery equipment, mobilized to the site.
According to him, “Our officers displayed remarkable precision, professionalism, and courage in managing the situation. Their immediate action in securing the environment prevented what could have been an unspeakable tragedy. We ensured that the recovery process was conducted under the highest safety protocols to eliminate any residual risk.”
Mr. Bakare-Oki further revealed that additional LASTMA personnel were swiftly deployed to the area to manage the resultant traffic congestion and guarantee the safety of commuters navigating through the Victoria Island corridor.
While the main carriageway was closed temporarily from Chisco inward Victoria Island, motorists were immediately diverted through the new coastal road and reconnected via Bar Beach, ensuring the continuity of vehicular movement till the recovery operation was safely concluded and the road reopened to normal traffic.
The General Manager emphasized that the incident underscores the critical importance of adherence to road safety regulations, especially among truck drivers and operators of articulated vehicles transporting flammable and hazardous materials. He admonished such operators to strictly observe prescribed speed limits, maintain their vehicles in sound mechanical condition, and exercise heightened vigilance, particularly under wet weather conditions.
He further cautioned that products such as Gas, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Diesel, and Kerosene require utmost care during conveyance to prevent catastrophic mishaps that could endanger lives and property.
Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to safety, Mr. Bakare-Oki assured that LASTMA, in synergy with all allied emergency and enforcement agencies, will continue to uphold the highest standards of traffic discipline, environmental safety, and coordinated emergency response, in pursuit of a Greater, Safer, and More Resilient Lagos.
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