What could have been a devastating tragedy was averted on Sunday evening when operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency responders swiftly contained a collision between a fully-loaded petrol tanker and a Lexus Jeep around Berger Suya, inward Mile 2, Lagos.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, the incident occurred after a Lexus Jeep with registration number LSR 606 XH, reportedly speeding, rammed into a Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)-laden tanker. The impact caused the tanker driver to lose control, crashing into several unregistered vehicles displayed along the roadside.
LASTMA officials at the scene acted promptly, cordoning off the area and restricting vehicular movement to prevent further danger while overseeing the safe transloading of the highly flammable petrol into another tanker. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also arrived swiftly, flushing and neutralizing the fuel spillage to prevent an explosion that could have engulfed the busy corridor.
Security personnel from the Trinity Police Division provided additional reinforcement throughout the operation, maintaining order and safeguarding the scene as emergency teams worked to stabilize the situation.
Preliminary reports indicate that the Lexus driver sustained injuries and was handed over to the Police for further investigation, while the tanker driver reportedly fled the scene.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the quick synergy and professionalism displayed by all emergency responders, describing the operation as “a remarkable testament to the efficiency and readiness of Lagos State’s emergency response architecture.”
He emphasized that the prompt response prevented a catastrophic explosion, reiterating the need for motorists to exercise caution, avoid overspeeding, and obey traffic regulations at all times.
Mr. Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive traffic management, continuous public sensitization, and seamless inter-agency collaboration, noting that the agency’s 24-hour operational framework ensures rapid response to emergencies across the state.