LASTMA swiftly responds to overturned tanker, prevents catastrophe on Oshodi -Gbagada Expressway

Stanley Ihedigbo

A potential catastrophe was averted on the Oshodi-Gbagada Expressway today, thanks to the swift and decisive intervention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

A fully loaded tanker, carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), overturned on the main carriageway, directly opposite the TREM Church, spilling its volatile cargo across the road.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, acting with urgency, LASTMA operatives promptly cordoned off the accident scene, neutralizing any potential escalation, particularly the perilous prospect of fuel scooping by unauthorized individuals.

The Agency immediately escalated the situation to the Lagos State Fire Service, whose emergency response teams arrived expeditiously to mitigate the hazardous spill.

To safeguard public safety and ensure an unimpeded traffic flow, LASTMA personnel meticulously redirected vehicular movement to the service lane from Oshodi-Oke inbound Gbagada, effectively averting gridlock and mitigating ignition risks associated with fuel exposure.

Commending the decisive response of his officers, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, emphasized: “The proactive intervention of our personnel ensured a comprehensive lockdown of the accident site, rendering fuel scooping impossible and averting what could have been a catastrophic incident.”

The General Manager further urged members of the public, especially motorists, to promptly report any road-related emergencies to the Agency via its toll-free hotline 080000527862 for immediate intervention.

Motorists are also strongly advised to exercise heightened vigilance and comply strictly with directives from traffic management and emergency response authorities to prevent avoidable tragedies on Lagos roads.