Ethanol Tanker Topples in Lagos, Major Disaster Narrowly Avoided

A potentially catastrophic incident was successfully averted in Lagos State when a truck transporting 33,000 litres of ethanol overturned at the Second Rainbow Bridge, situated in the Amuwo Odofin area. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident through a statement issued on Wednesday by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who also noted that no lives were lost or injuries sustained.

According to Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu, the FOTON truck, bearing registration number APP 346 YC, lost balance and fell while its driver was attempting to navigate a bend on the bridge. Preliminary investigations pointed to excessive speed as the primary cause, leading to the detachment of the truck’s turntable, which then landed on the roundabout and completely obstructed traffic movement.

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized the immediate danger posed by the highly flammable cargo, stating, “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 further explained that personnel from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service swiftly applied chemical foam to the tanker and its immediate surroundings to suppress any fumes and prevent a secondary disaster. Officers from the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were also on ground, playing crucial roles in securing the scene and managing the resulting traffic gridlock.

“Through coordinated and tactical efforts, a major disaster was averted, and no loss of life or casualty was recorded,” Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu affirmed.

In a separate incident, the LASEMA Permanent Secretary reported that the agency’s Tiger Response Team from C3 command successfully restored traffic flow at Oke Koto, Agege. This followed an accident where a Dangote cement truck mounted a road divider and became immobilized. The incident, attributed to reckless driving, severely hampered vehicular movement, prompting the deployment of LASEMA’s response team alongside LASTMA officials. Heavy-duty recovery equipment, specifically the agency’s 'Super Metro', was utilized to remove the stuck truck, which was subsequently taken to the LASTMA yard for further necessary actions. Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed that the road has since been cleared and reopened to traffic, with no fatalities or injuries recorded in that incident either.

He lauded the prompt and efficient intervention of all emergency responders and used the opportunity to appeal to motorists to strictly adhere to speed limits and traffic regulations, particularly when transporting heavy or hazardous materials. Furthermore, the permanent secretary encouraged residents to report any emergencies by calling the agency’s toll-free lines, 767 and 112.

PUNCH Online had previously reported on Tuesday that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service successfully rescued two adult men from a fire that engulfed an eight-room bungalow on Onitire Road, Itire, Lagos State. One of the rescued individuals, a 42-year-old man, sustained burn injuries while heroically attempting to save a 75-year-old wheelchair user from the burning structure.