Swift intervention by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Monday helped prevent a potentially deadly disaster after a gas-laden tanker overturned at Chisco, inward Victoria Island — one of the busiest traffic corridors in Lagos.
The tanker, a Howo white truck transporting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders, reportedly lost control and flipped, completely blocking the main carriageway and raising fears of a possible explosion.
LASTMA officers arrived at the scene within minutes, securing the area and preventing gas leakage or fire. Their rapid response averted what could have been a large-scale tragedy in the commercial hub.
Recognizing the need to quickly decongest the stretch, LASTMA immediately deployed more traffic personnel to implement route diversions. Motorists heading toward Victoria Island were redirected through the newly opened coastal road and reconnected via Bar Beach — a move that eased heavy backlog on the Lekki–Epe Expressway during the rescue operation.
A coordinated multi-agency emergency response followed, involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the Nigeria Police, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Heavy-duty cranes were later deployed to safely recover the tanker.
General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki — who personally led the operation — praised his team’s courage and precision.
“Our officers swiftly neutralised a situation that could have escalated into an unimaginable tragedy. Safety standards were strictly followed throughout the recovery,” he said.
Bakare-Oki also issued a stern caution to truck operators transporting hazardous materials, urging strict compliance with safety protocols, regular vehicle maintenance, and heightened alertness, especially in wet conditions.
He emphasized that petroleum and gas products must always be moved under the highest safety compliance to protect lives and infrastructure.
Reassuring the public, the LASTMA GM reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to ensuring safer roads and faster emergency response in partnership with relevant agencies.