Gas Tanker Catches Fire on Lagos Highway
A potentially devastating fire was averted on Friday after a leaking gas tanker caught fire at the Owode Elede area along Ikorodu Road in Lagos, following the swift intervention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. The incident occurred when a six tyre mini gas tanker […]
A potentially devastating fire was averted on Friday after a leaking gas tanker caught fire at the Owode Elede area along Ikorodu Road in Lagos, following the swift intervention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
The incident occurred when a six tyre mini gas tanker developed a mechanical fault while travelling inward Ikorodu.
During an emergency assessment, officials discovered that compressed gas was leaking from the tanker.
The escaping gas later ignited, triggering a fire around the vehicle.
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LASTMA said its Rescue and Recovery Team immediately mobilised to the scene alongside personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the emergency responders mounted a coordinated operation that brought the blaze under control within a short time, preventing it from escalating into a major inferno that could have claimed lives, destroyed property and damaged critical road infrastructure.
He added that the prompt response also prevented major traffic disruption along the busy Ikorodu Road corridor.
“To ensure the free flow of traffic during the operation, LASTMA officers created an alternative route by utilising one serviceable lane alongside the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, allowing motorists to continue their journeys with minimal delays,” he said.
Bakare Oki commended the coordinated efforts of the emergency responders, describing their professionalism and timely intervention as crucial in averting what could have been a major tragedy.
He urged motorists to exercise caution, comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with emergency personnel during rescue operations.
He also reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining free traffic flow and providing prompt emergency response services across the state’s road network.