Disaster averted as gas tanker leaks on Lagos road

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A major disaster was averted in Lagos on Friday after emergency responders contained a leaking Liquefied Petroleum Gas tanker at Owode Elede, inward Onirin, along Ikorodu Road, with no casualty recorded.

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The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency disclosed this in a statement issued by its Head of Public Affairs, Afolabi Olawale.

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Olawale stated that the incident happened in the early hours of the day.

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According to him, the agency’s Tiger Squad was activated after receiving reports of the gas leakage.

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He noted that upon arrival, responders discovered an LPG tanker with registration number MUS-289YH, carrying approximately five tonnes of gas, which was leaking its contents onto the street.
nHe added that the preliminary findings indicated that the leakage suddenly developed from the underside of the moving tanker.n

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“The driver acted promptly by bringing the vehicle to a safe stop, thereby preventing a possible fire outbreak or explosion,” the statement read.

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The spokesperson said the agency collaborated with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority to divert traffic and secure the area.

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He added that emergency responders commenced continuous water blanketing of the tanker and its surroundings to suppress gas vapour, reduce the risk of ignition and maintain a safe perimeter while repairs were carried out.

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“A certified repair technician is on site carrying out the necessary repairs to fully contain the leakage,” the statement added.

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He, however, confirmed that no life was lost and no injury was recorded during the incident.
nOlawale noted that emergency responders remained at the scene to enforce safety measures while repair works continued, adding that recovery and clearance operations would commence immediately after the tanker was certified safe for movement.n

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Reacting, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, urged motorists to cooperate with traffic management officials and avoid activities capable of igniting the leaked gas.

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He said, “Motorists should cooperate with traffic management personnel deployed to the axis and avoid open flames, smoking, or any source of ignition in the immediate vicinity.”

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He also advised tanker and articulated vehicle operators to ensure strict compliance with vehicle maintenance standards and safe driving practices to prevent similar incidents on Lagos roads.

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As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders were still at the scene of the incident.

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The incident is the latest in a series of emergencies recorded in Lagos.

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PUNCH Online reported on Thursday that LASEMA dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that another building collapsed in the Alakija area of the state.

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Oke-Osanyintolu had described the reports as false and misleading after officials were deployed to the reported location of the alleged incident

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