Tanker accident causes traffic on Lagos road

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has handled a tanker accident on Ijako Road, going towards Oke Oso, along the Ajah Expressway in Epe. The truck was carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit when it overturned.

The incident happened on Friday after a Mack tanker tipped over while climbing Ijako Hill due to a mechanical failure.

In a statement on Friday, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, said they got a distress call at 11:32am and quickly sent out their Whales Team from the Epe Base. The team arrived at the scene just four minutes later.

LASEMA reported that initial findings showed that the tanker’s propeller came off its joint. This caused the vehicle to lose balance and fall on its side. The agency also noted that one of the tanker’s compartments was leaking, so responders started safety measures right away.

“There were no reported deaths or injuries. Before LASEMA got there, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service from Oke Oso had already started containment to stop any fire or environmental risks,” the statement said.

The operation was being managed under the Incident Command System. Personnel from LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were all present. Representatives from the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers also joined in.

The response aimed to control the situation and keep motorists and other road users safe. “The operation is being managed under the Incident Command System with close collaboration among agencies,” LASEMA said.

They added, “Traffic has been managed well to keep motorists safe and avoid any secondary incidents.” LASEMA mentioned that an empty tanker was brought in to safely transfer the fuel from the fallen truck before recovery efforts could start.

“An empty tanker has been mobilised for the safe transfer of the product, after which recovery of the fallen truck will begin,” the agency explained.

Oke-Osanyintolu praised the quick response from various agencies and the professionalism of the emergency workers. He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, focusing on disaster risk reduction and following global best practices in emergency management.

The permanent secretary urged motorists to work with traffic officials and stay away from the immediate area to allow the emergency teams to continue their work without disruption. “Motorists are advised to cooperate with traffic officials and avoid the immediate area to allow for smooth operations,” the agency added.

LASEMA stated that they would provide more updates as the situation evolves. They encouraged residents to call their toll-free emergency numbers, 112 or 767, if they need help.