A major catastrophe was narrowly averted in Lagos today following a swift, highly coordinated emergency response after a fully-loaded Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker and a Lexus Jeep collided at Berger Suya, inward Mile 2. Operatives from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Nigeria Police Force worked in synergy to contain the incident, preventing what could have been a devastating explosion.
The incident occurred when a Lexus Jeep (registration number LSR 606 XH), reportedly travelling at excessive speed, struck the PMS-laden tanker. The force of the collision caused the tanker driver to lose control, resulting in the heavy vehicle ramming into and extensively damaging several unregistered vehicles displayed along the highway setback.
LASTMA personnel were the first on the scene, immediately cordoning off the area and restricting vehicular movement. This critical action ensured public safety and created a sterile zone for the high-risk operation of transloading the highly flammable fuel into another tanker.
The threat of an explosion was neutralised by the rapid deployment of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters efficiently flushed and neutralised the significant fuel spillage, safeguarding motorists, pedestrians, and nearby residents from imminent danger.
Throughout the sensitive operation, officers from the Trinity Police Division provided essential security reinforcement, maintaining order and securing the accident scene until the transloading and final evacuation processes were complete.
Initial investigation revealed that the driver of the Lexus Jeep sustained injuries and was handed over to the Police by LASTMA officials for further inquiry. However, the driver of the fully-loaded tanker absconded immediately after the incident.
Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the General Manager of LASTMA, lauded the collective swiftness and professionalism of all responding agencies. He described the intervention as “a remarkable testament to the efficiency, coordination, and readiness of Lagos State’s emergency response architecture.”
Mr Bakare-Oki stressed that the timely containment was paramount, preventing a “devastating explosion” given the volatility of the petroleum product.
The General Manager concluded by strongly admonishing motorists to desist from reckless driving, adhere strictly to speed limits, and exercise maximum caution on the road. He reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive management and strengthening its 24-hour collaboration with emergency and security agencies to rapidly manage traffic-related incidents and minimise casualties.
