A major fire outbreak occurred on Sunday when a petrol tanker conveying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) exploded at Iyana-Isolo, heading towards Oshodi, Lagos. The sudden incident triggered panic among residents, motorists, and business owners along the busy corridor, with fears that the raging flames could spread and result in a large-scale disaster. According to reports, the tanker overturned while in motion, leading to an immediate explosion. The fire rapidly engulfed the vehicle and spread to at least four other parked trucks, leaving the area in chaos. Eyewitnesses at the scene disclosed that the inferno could have escalated into a severe catastrophe if not for the swift intervention of emergency responders. Swift Response from Lagos Authorities The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, promptly mobilised teams to the accident scene. Officers from Aswani, Ilasa, and Mushin police divisions, as well as personnel of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, were also deployed to support the operation. LASTMA officials quickly cordoned off the affected road, diverted traffic from the danger zone, and provided reinforcement from adjoining zones to strengthen the firefighting effort. This rapid and coordinated response helped bring the situation under control before it spread further. Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the General Manager of LASTMA, confirmed that no casualties were recorded in the incident. He noted that the absence of fatalities was due to the effective coordination among state emergency agencies and the professionalism displayed by first responders. Warnings and Safety Appeal Bakare-Oki further emphasized the need for articulated vehicle drivers, particularly those operating petrol tankers and heavy-duty trucks, to avoid reckless speeding. Preliminary investigations suggested that excessive speed and poor handling contributed to the accident. He also urged residents and commuters to always use the LASTMA toll-free hotline 080000527862 to report traffic-related emergencies for quick intervention. According to him, LASTMA remains fully prepared to safeguard lives, protect property, and ensure traffic safety across Lagos. In his words: “LASTMA is committed to protecting lives and property while ensuring safe and sustainable traffic management across Lagos State.” The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers of tanker accidents in Lagos and the critical importance of road safety awareness for both commercial and private drivers.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has successfully rescued eight injured passengers following an accident at Hammadiya, heading toward Abule-Egba. LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the rescue operation in a statement shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday. The statement was issued by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr. Taofiq Adebayo. Details of the Accident The traffic incident occurred when a commercial long bus, known locally as a ‘Molue,’ lost control at high speed on Hammadiya Road. The accident caused significant injuries to passengers and disrupted traffic flow. Bakare-Oki explained that the accident happened when the vehicle, registered as KTU 801 XM, swerved sharply to avoid colliding with another commercial bus and pedestrians standing by the roadside. This maneuver caused the bus to crash into the expressway median and overturn. While some passengers managed to escape through the bus windows, others sustained injuries of varying severity. Among the injured was the bus driver, who suffered a fractured arm. Efficient Rescue and Medical Assistance LASTMA’s rescue team quickly arrived at the scene and carried out a well-coordinated operation. The injured passengers, including five males and three females, were promptly attended to. The bus driver was also included in the group of casualties. All injured individuals were immediately handed over to LASAMBUS personnel, who transported them to the General Hospital at Ile-Epo for urgent medical care. Traffic Management and Public Safety To ensure a smooth flow of traffic and public safety, LASTMA’s Response Unit was deployed to clear the overturned vehicle. Security support was provided by officers from the Meran Police Division, allowing the rescue operation to proceed without any interruptions. Bakare-Oki expressed his sympathy for the injured passengers and wished them a swift recovery. He also emphasized the importance of following traffic regulations, particularly speed limits set by the Lagos State Government, to prevent similar incidents. Preventative Measures and Safety Awareness In his statement, Bakare-Oki urged both commercial and private vehicle operators to prioritize regular vehicle maintenance, especially key systems like brakes, to avoid preventable accidents. “This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of LASTMA’s commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring safety on Lagos roads through proactive measures and cooperation with emergency response agencies,” he concluded. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
