LASEMA Handles Numerous Weekend Emergency Incidents Across Lagos

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) was significantly engaged with a range of emergency situations across the metropolis from Friday through Sunday. These incidents encompassed road traffic collisions, vehicles developing mechanical faults, and a fire outbreak. Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA's Permanent Secretary, confirmed these interventions in a statement released on Sunday.

The official statement detailed how the agency executed numerous operations throughout Lagos over the three-day period. LASEMA mobilised its emergency response units, medical personnel, and specialised heavy-duty machinery to effectively address the incidents and ensure the swift restoration of disrupted traffic routes.

On Friday morning, specifically at 8:41 am, LASEMA received a distress call regarding a container truck carrying a 40ft container at Palm Avenue Bus Stop, heading towards Oye. The vehicle had experienced a mechanical failure, rendering it stationary and causing significant obstruction to vehicular traffic. LASEMA's Eagle Team promptly took control of the situation, expertly managing traffic and rerouting approaching vehicles to avert further accidents, while awaiting the deployment of the agency's heavy-duty assets. Upon the arrival of LASEMA's Super Metro equipment, the faulty truck was successfully recovered and repositioned to a designated lay-by, allowing for the smooth resumption of traffic flow.

That same evening, at 7:24 pm, the Alpha Eagle Team was dispatched to Ojuwoye Bus Stop, on the route to Oshodi, following reports of another container truck incident. This particular truck had encountered an electrical malfunction. The team immediately secured the area and managed traffic, facilitating preparations for its removal. The statement highlighted that the Super Metro proved instrumental in the recovery of the truck, which was subsequently relocated to a secure spot, thereby guaranteeing unimpeded vehicular passage along that corridor.

Saturday saw the agency addressing a serious road traffic collision near Otedola, Mobil, on the way to Berger. The incident involved a Ford Escape SUV and a moving truck. LASEMA's Tiger Squad from C3 arrived at approximately 6:07 am to discover that the SUV had collided with the rear of the truck. Both the male driver and female passenger of the SUV sustained injuries in the crash. According to the statement, LASEMA's paramedics, working alongside LASAMBUS, quickly provided initial first aid and crucial pre-hospital care. The injured individuals were then transported to the Trauma Centre for comprehensive medical attention. Other emergency services, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASTMA, and the Nigeria Police Force, also attended the scene. Following the incident, the damaged vehicles were moved to Isheri Police Station for necessary follow-up procedures.

LASEMA further reported the recovery of another container truck on Friday evening at Olorunshogo Bus Stop, en route to Cappa. This vehicle had also become immobilised due to a mechanical issue. The statement confirmed that the Super Metro was used to recover the truck and move it to a layby. Early on Sunday morning, a truck transporting interlocks also suffered a breakdown at Ojuwoye and was later recovered, as stated by the agency.

On Sunday, in a distinct incident, the Tiger Team was dispatched to Bakare Street, Ojodu Berger, where a fire had erupted. The agency indicated that three out of eight shops, which contained foodstuffs and frozen items, were impacted by the blaze. Preliminary investigations suggested the fire was triggered by an electrical surge that occurred after power was restored. The statement lauded the rapid and expert response from the Tiger Squad and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which effectively contained the inferno, stopping its spread to adjacent shops and ultimately extinguishing it. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported from this incident.

Later on Sunday, LASEMA also addressed an incident near Shoprite, heading towards Governor’s Road, involving a 40ft loaded container. The container had reportedly become dislodged from the turntable of a Sinotruk head, falling along with its flatbed and completely blocking a traffic lane. The agency's statement confirmed that the response team promptly secured the site and put traffic management protocols in place. A comprehensive multi-agency operation was then initiated, utilising LASEMA’s Lowbed, a private tow truck, an empty Sinotruk for transferring goods, and a private forklift. The Peak Milk products inside the fallen container were safely transferred. The damaged truck head was towed to the LASTMA yard, while the flatbed was righted and moved to a nearby lay-by. LASEMA further stated that the road was subsequently cleared and made accessible for vehicles.

On Saturday evening, LASEMA extended technical assistance for the secure erection of a billboard at Fagba Bus Stop, towards Iju. The agency confirmed that its Hiab equipment was deployed for this operation, which concluded without issues.

Providing a comprehensive update on these diverse interventions, Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu affirmed that all operations had been brought to a successful close and that all impacted roadways were fully restored. He was quoted saying, "All operations have been concluded, affected roadways have been restored and response teams have returned to base in good condition."