The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has contained an accident involving a tanker loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit on Ijako Road, inward Oke Oso, along the Ajah Expressway in Epe.
The incident occurred on Friday when a Mack tanker reportedly overturned while climbing Ijako Hill following a mechanical failure.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency received a distress call at about 11:32am and promptly deployed its Whales Team from the Epe Base.
The emergency responders arrived at the scene approximately four minutes after being dispatched.
Preliminary findings indicated that the tanker’s propeller detached from its joint, causing the vehicle to lose momentum and overturn.
One of the tanker’s compartments was also found to be leaking, prompting emergency personnel to immediately begin containment and safety operations.
“There were no reported fatalities or injuries. Prior to LASEMA’s arrival, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Oke Oso Station, had commenced containment measures to prevent fire outbreak and environmental hazard,” the statement read.
The emergency response involved several agencies, including LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and representatives of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.
The agencies worked together under the Incident Command System to secure the area, manage traffic and prevent further danger to motorists and other road users.
“The operation is being coordinated under the Incident Command System with full multi-agency collaboration,” the agency said.
It added, “Traffic has been effectively managed to ensure safety of motorists while preventing secondary incidents.”
LASEMA said an empty tanker had been brought to the scene to transfer the petroleum product from the overturned vehicle before the damaged tanker could be recovered.
“An empty tanker has been mobilized for the safe transloading of the product, after which recovery of the fallen truck will commence,” it said.
Oke-Osanyintolu commended the emergency responders for their prompt intervention and professionalism during the operation.
He also reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive disaster management and the adoption of global best practices.
The permanent secretary urged motorists to cooperate with traffic officials and stay away from the affected area while emergency operations continued.
“Motorists are advised to cooperate with traffic officials and avoid the immediate area to allow unhindered operations,” the agency said.
LASEMA stated that additional information would be released as the situation develops.
Residents were also advised to contact the agency through its toll-free emergency numbers, 112 or 767, whenever they require emergency assistance.
