By peace udugba- The daily torch media
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has once again demonstrated exceptional operational alertness and rapid response capacity by averting a potential midnight fire disaster following the overturning of a fully laden Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker at Awoyaya, along the inward carriageway of the Lekki–Epe Expressway.
The incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. and involved a lone articulated tanker conveying a substantial volume of PMS, which reportedly lost balance and overturned while navigating the inward-bound lane of the busy Lekki–Epe Expressway.
Given the highly inflammable nature of the tanker’s contents and the strategic importance of the corridor, the incident posed a serious and imminent threat to human lives, public and private property, as well as the surrounding environment.
Upon receiving a distress alert, LASTMA’s Rescue and Recovery Unit was immediately deployed to the scene. Operatives swiftly cordoned off the area, established a secure safety perimeter, enforced comprehensive traffic control measures, and commenced preparatory recovery operations.
This prompt and coordinated response effectively prevented the activities of fuel scoopers, averted secondary accidents, and forestalled what could have escalated into a catastrophic fire outbreak.
In a complementary response, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was promptly mobilised and activated strict fire prevention and containment protocols, including continuous monitoring of the scene to eliminate any risk of ignition or escalation.
With all critical safety measures firmly in place and no casualties recorded, vehicular movement along the affected axis was temporarily suspended and later cautiously restored after safety was fully assured, thereby protecting the motoring public and preventing a potentially disastrous outcome.
The trans-loading of the PMS contents into an empty 33,000-litre tanker was meticulously carried out under strict supervision and exhaustive scrutiny by emergency response personnel, ensuring full compliance with safety standards.
The Agency reiterates its call to tanker and articulated vehicle operators to exercise utmost caution, ensure proper vehicle maintenance, and strictly adhere to established safety regulations, particularly during nocturnal operations, in order to safeguard lives and protect vital public infrastructure.
Commending the seamless inter-agency collaboration at the scene, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, praised the prompt, professional and coordinated response of LASTMA operatives and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
