By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
Two people have sustained severe burn injuries after a diesel-laden tanker plunged from Otedola Bridge in Lagos and burst into flames beneath the bridge.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its emergency response team, working alongside other emergency management agencies, rescued the victims from the scene of the incident.
According to a statement issued by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, the victims were extricated from the danger zone and evacuated for urgent medical attention.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s Rescue Unit (LRU) subsequently transported them to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, Toll-Gate, where they were admitted for treatment.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service battled the inferno to prevent it from spreading and causing further casualties or damage to nearby infrastructure.
Other agencies involved in the rescue and emergency response operations included the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency and police officers from the Alausa Police Division.
The coordinated response helped facilitate the rescue and evacuation of the injured victims while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Commending the responding agencies, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised their promptness, professionalism and commitment to saving lives.
Bakare-Oki also wished the victims a speedy recovery and reiterated the importance of effective emergency response and collaboration among relevant agencies during road traffic incidents.
LASTMA reaffirmed its commitment to traffic management, enforcement of road safety regulations and prompt response to emergencies across Lagos State.
The agency also urged motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty and articulated vehicles, to conduct regular mechanical inspections, comply with prescribed safety standards and adopt responsible driving practices to prevent avoidable road accidents.
