LASTMA, Lagos Fire Service avert inferno after diesel tanker mishap on Liverpool bridge

Stanley Ihedigbo

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in exemplary synergy with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, has once again demonstrated its operational acuity and institutional readiness by decisively forestalling a potentially calamitous fire outbreak on the Liverpool Bridge inward Mile 2, along the Apapa corridor.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the incident, which occurred earlier today, involved an articulated Iveco tanker with registration number RBC 98 XX, heavily laden with diesel.

Preliminary security findings revealed that the tanker lost vehicular control and toppled on the bridge, resulting in significant structural damage to the vehicle and the uncontrolled discharge of large volumes of diesel across the carriageway.

Of grave concern was the spillage of the highly combustible petroleum product from the elevated bridge to the area beneath.

This dangerous development regrettably attracted the attention of some unscrupulous individuals who attempted to scoop the diesel, thereby compounding the volatility and risk inherent in the situation.

Upon receipt of the emergency alert, LASTMA operatives immediately mobilised to the scene, exhibiting remarkable professionalism, vigilance and composure.

The Agency’s personnel promptly dispersed the crowd engaged in the hazardous act of scooping diesel, decisively cordoned off the affected area, and swiftly activated established inter-agency emergency response mechanisms by notifying security operatives and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

This resolute and timely intervention effectively neutralised the imminent threat of combustion and prevented what could have escalated into a devastating inferno with dire human, environmental and infrastructural ramifications.

The driver of the distressed tanker, who sustained severe injuries in the course of the accident, was courageously rescued by LASTMA officials and urgently conveyed to the General Hospital, Apapa, where he is currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.

To ensure maximum safety, orderliness and situational control at the scene, officers of the Nigeria Police Force from Area ‘B’ Police Division, Apapa, provided robust security reinforcement. They worked in close collaboration with other emergency responders to maintain crowd control, regulate traffic flow and stabilise the environment.

In the meantime, an alternative empty tanker was promptly deployed to facilitate the transloading of the remaining diesel, while vehicular movement was tactically diverted by LASTMA to the opposite carriageway in the interest of public safety and to guarantee the seamless flow of traffic.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, praised the swift response, tactical efficiency and high-level coordination displayed by LASTMA personnel and other emergency responders. He noted that their collective professionalism averted what could have culminated in another tragic fire disaster.

Hon. Giwa further admonished members of the public to consistently exhibit heightened safety consciousness, particularly by abstaining from the perilous practice of scooping petroleum products during tanker accidents involving diesel or Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

He stressed that such reckless conduct poses severe threats to lives, property and the environment.

The Lagos State Government, through LASTMA, reiterated its unwavering commitment to proactive traffic management, rapid emergency response and the safeguarding of lives and critical public infrastructure across the State.

The Authority reaffirmed that it will continue to strengthen its inter-agency collaboration, emergency preparedness and public safety advocacy to ensure safer roads and communities across Lagos.