Fuel tanker explodes in Lagos, no mortality recorded

When a tanker carrying petroleum product fell and spilt its contents while speeding towards residential buildings at Ajayi Junction along Oke-Ira Road opposite Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Ikeja, residents and drivers narrowly avoided death on Saturday evening.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, or LASTMA, personnel, however, prevented what may have been a significant fire catastrophe at Ogba.

Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, the permanent secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, or LASEMA, who confirmed the occurrence, was unable to clarify whether any casualties had been reported.

Additionally, the incident was corroborated by the Director of the agency's Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, who is also the General Manager of LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba.

Adebayo verified that LASTMA Officials, who were the first emergency responders on the scene at precisely 8:00 p.m., quickly alerted other emergency responders, in particular the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, in order to avert another impending fire tragedy.

“After arriving at the scene, our personnel immediately secured the environment against area boys including other members of the public who had already wanted to be scooping spilling fuel from the tanker,” he said.

Adebayo said that Oke-Ira Area 'G' Police Division officers assisted Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services in providing security backup at the scene.

He added that drivers from Haruna or Ojodu Berger ends were detoured through the Excellence Hotel so they could exit Muyibi Street and connect with Oke-Ira proper to continue their journey.

Investigations in the meantime showed that trans-loading into another tanker that the owner had brought to the area had started right away.

Source