Major accident avoided as ethanol tanker tips over in Lagos

A big accident was avoided after a truck carrying 33,000 litres of ethanol fell at the Second Rainbow Bridge in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency shared this news in a statement from its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, on Wednesday. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the incident.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the tanker, a FOTON truck with the registration number APP 346 YC, tipped over while the driver was trying to make a turn on the bridge.

Oke-Osanyintolu explained that early investigations showed the cause of the accident was speeding. This made the truck’s turntable detach and fall on the roundabout, blocking the whole area.

He said, “Recognising the highly volatile nature of ethanol and the imminent risk of fire and explosion, the Eagle Response Team, in collaboration with other responders, immediately cordoned off the area and activated crowd and traffic control measures.”

He added that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, along with the Federal Fire Service, sprayed chemical foam on the tanker and the nearby area to reduce fumes and stop any further incidents.

Oke-Osanyintolu noted that officers from the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority helped secure the scene and manage traffic.

He stated, “Through coordinated and tactical efforts, a major disaster was averted, and no loss of life or casualty was recorded.”