A potentially devastating incident was prevented in the early hours of Thursday after a gas-laden tanker erupted in flames along Abaranje Road in the Ikotun area of Lagos State, prompting a swift response from emergency agencies.
The fire occurred at Ola Farm Bus Stop, where officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), supported by other emergency responders, successfully extinguished the blaze before it could spread to nearby buildings and road users.
According to a statement issued by LASEMA spokesperson, Olawale Afolabi, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded during the incident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the tanker was travelling at high speed when it hit a road bump, causing the driver to lose control.
The impact reportedly resulted in a tyre burst, which immediately ignited the vehicle.
“Initial findings indicate that the vehicle was travelling at speed when it struck a road bump. The impact caused the driver to lose control, which led to a tyre burst and an immediate fire outbreak,” Afolabi said.
He explained that LASEMA personnel worked alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to contain the inferno, secure the area and prevent the flames from reaching nearby residential buildings, commercial premises and other motorists.
Traffic management and crowd control during the emergency operation were handled by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Ikotun Division.
“We are grateful to report that there was no loss of life, and no casualties were recorded. The situation has been brought under control, and the fire fully extinguished,” Afolabi added.
He disclosed that recovery efforts were underway to evacuate the burnt tanker from the road.
Heavy-duty equipment has been deployed to remove the damaged vehicle and restore normal traffic flow along the affected route.
Reacting to the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, urged motorists to comply with speed regulations, particularly in residential neighbourhoods and around speed bumps.
“We use this opportunity to remind all motorists of the importance of adhering to speed limits, particularly around designated bumps and in residential corridors. Such caution saves lives and protects property,” he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to disaster preparedness, rapid emergency response and the protection of lives and property across Lagos State.
He also commended all emergency responders and residents for their cooperation throughout the operation.
He further encouraged members of the public to report emergencies promptly through the state’s toll-free emergency numbers, 112 and 767.
