Disaster averted as fire guts gas-laden tanker, Lagos supermarket

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A major disaster was averted in Lagos on Thursday after emergency responders successfully contained separate fire incidents involving a gas-laden tanker in the Ikotun area and the electronics section of a Justrite Superstore in Egbeda, with no casualties recorded in either incident.

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The spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olawale Afolabi, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the tanker incident occurred at Ola Farm Bus Stop and was swiftly contained by emergency responders, with no loss of life or injuries recorded.

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Afolabi noted that the agency’s response team arrived to find the tanker engulfed in flames, adding that preliminary findings showed that the tanker was travelling at high speed when it struck a road bump, causing the driver to lose control.

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“Initial findings indicate that the vehicle was travelling at speed when it struck a road bump.

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“The impact caused the driver to lose control, which led to a tyre burst and an immediate fire outbreak,” the statement read.

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Afolabi said LASEMA officials worked closely with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to extinguish the fire, secure the area, and prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby homes, businesses, and other road users.

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He added that officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and officers of the Nigeria Police from the Ikotun Division managed traffic and crowd control throughout the operation.

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“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,” he stated.

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The spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to evacuate the burnt tanker from the road, adding that heavy-duty equipment had been deployed to remove the vehicle and restore normal traffic flow.

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The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, urged motorists to obey speed limits, especially around speed bumps and residential areas.

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“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.

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He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to disaster preparedness, rapid emergency response, and public safety across Lagos State while commending all responding agencies and residents for their cooperation during the operation.

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Oke-Osanyintolu also urged members of the public to report emergencies promptly through the state’s toll-free emergency lines 112 and 767.

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In another incident, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed a fire incident at the electronics section of the Justrite Superstore in the Egbeda-Akowonjo area of Lagos State.

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The Controller General of the LSFRS, Margaret Adeseye, stated on Thursday that the fire, which broke out at No. 116, Akowonjo Road, near Jimoh Bus Stop, was successfully extinguished without any casualties.

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According to Adeseye, an emergency call was received at about 8:15 a.m., while firefighters from the Abesan and Agege fire stations arrived at the scene by 8:28 a.m.

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She said firefighters immediately launched coordinated operations to contain the blaze and stop it from spreading to other parts of the commercial building.

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“Upon arrival, firefighters swiftly deployed firefighting equipment and commenced coordinated operations to contain the fire, prevent its spread to adjoining sections of the building, and safeguard lives, property, and the environment,” she said.

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Adeseye disclosed that the fire had been completely extinguished and that recovery and mop-up operations were ongoing.

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She added that preliminary findings suggested the fire originated from an alternative power source, specifically the building’s solar inverter system.

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“The fire has been put out, and recovery of the remains is ongoing to bring the mop-up exercise to a wrap.

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“The cause of the fire is suggestive of an alternative power source, the solar inverter system, while no casualty has been recorded,” Adeseye said.

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The fire service said investigations would continue to determine the exact cause of the incident.

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