LASTMA Thwarts Diesel Fire At Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority’s team On Thursday, successfully averted a potential diesel fire blast at Obadeyi before Ijaye on the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

 The Agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment in a  recent statement by Adebayo Taofiq, said that the driver of the tanker fled the scene after the vehicle toppled in the early hours of Thursday.

He said, “Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority have prevented another diesel fire explosion at Obadeyi before Ijaye along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

“The tanker with registration number JJJ 596 XX, fully loaded with diesel products, fell around 6:10 am and had its contents spreading on the expressway.

“Traffic Officer Ajalekoko Bolade (Bravo 19, Abule-Egba), who led LASTMA rescue operations to the scene, confirmed that the driver of the tanker ran away immediately after the incident.”

According to Taofiq, scoopers were driven away from the area to prevent a possible fire eruption, with additional security assistance provided by officers from the Meiran Police Division.

He continued, “To prevent another imminent fire explosion, LASTMA, after arriving at the scene, immediately chased away scoopers and condoned off the entire vicinity.

“LASTMA personnel immediately called the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, including Lasema Response Unit and immediately secured the environment against area boys who had started scooping diesel with buckets/jerry cans.”

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the falling tanker fully loaded with diesel was coming from Abule-Egba going to Ijaye before the driver lost control due to a brake failure at Obadeyi.”

Taofiq also declared a traffic rerouting at Hamadiya, affecting both the Hamadiya Hospital Way and the lanes opposite those leading from the toll gate.