A major disaster was averted after a tanker carrying 33,000 litres of ethanol fell while negotiating a turn at the Second Rainbow Bridge in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed the incident in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, on Wednesday, confirming that no casualties were recorded.
The tanker, a FOTON truck with registration number APP 346 YC, reportedly fell due to speeding, causing its turntable to detach and land on the roundabout, obstructing the entire stretch.
Given the highly volatile nature of ethanol and the risk of fire or explosion, LASEMA’s Eagle Response Team and other emergency responders immediately cordoned off the area and implemented crowd and traffic control measures.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service applied chemical foam to the tanker and surrounding area to suppress fumes and prevent a secondary incident. The police and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority also helped secure the scene and manage traffic.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the coordinated response prevented a major disaster, with no deaths or injuries recorded.
In a separate incident, LASEMA’s Tiger Response Team rescued traffic movement at Oke Koto, Agege, after a Dangote cement truck climbed a road divider and became stuck, obstructing vehicular movement.
The agency deployed its heavy-duty recovery equipment, known as Super Metro, to remove the truck. It was subsequently towed to the LASTMA yard for further action, while the road was reopened to traffic.
The permanent secretary commended the emergency responders for their swift intervention and urged motorists to obey speed limits and traffic regulations, particularly when transporting heavy and hazardous materials.
He also encouraged residents to report emergencies through LASEMA’s toll-free lines, 767 and 112.