Panic In Lagos As Gas Tanker Catches Fire

Panic broke out on Friday afternoon after a mini gas tanker caught fire along the Owode-Elede corridor inward Ikorodu, in Lagos State, following a gas leak.

The incident, which disrupted traffic along the route, was, however, brought under control by emergency responders, with no casualties recorded.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), were on hand to contain the fire and control traffic in the area.

Naija News learnt that the tanker developed a mechanical fault while in transit, resulting in a leakage of compressed gas, which subsequently ignited and engulfed the vehicle.

The rescue and recovery team of LASTMA was immediately deployed to evacuate the affected tanker from the roadway and restore normal traffic flow.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the successful containment of the fire was due to the prompt response and collaboration of emergency agencies.

He said, “Through a prompt, coordinated and highly professional emergency response operation, the fire was immediately contained, thereby preventing its escalation into a potentially catastrophic inferno capable of endangering lives, property and critical road infrastructure.”

To minimise traffic disruption during the emergency operation, LASTMA created an alternative route by combining one serviceable lane with the Bus Rapid Transit corridor to facilitate vehicular movement.

The arrangement ensured that traffic along the affected corridor remained orderly despite the incident.

Bakare-Oki commended the swift collaboration among the emergency responders, describing their intervention as crucial in averting what could have become a major disaster.

He also urged motorists to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations and cooperate with emergency personnel during rescue operations.

“LASTMA remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, ensuring traffic flow and delivering prompt emergency response services across Lagos State’s transportation network,” he added.