LAGOS, Nigeria — A major disaster was averted on Wednesday after a truck conveying 33,000 litres of ethanol fell on the Second Rainbow Bridge in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State, raising fears of a possible fire or explosion.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed this in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, stating that no casualty was recorded.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, the tanker, a FOTON truck with registration number APP 346 YC, fell while its driver was attempting to negotiate a turn on the bridge.
Preliminary investigations attributed the incident to speeding, which reportedly caused the truck’s turntable to detach and fall on the roundabout, blocking the entire stretch.
Recognising the highly volatile nature of ethanol and the imminent risk of fire and explosion, the agency’s Eagle Response Team, in collaboration with other emergency responders, immediately cordoned off the area and activated crowd and traffic control measures.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service applied chemical foam to the tanker and surrounding area to suppress fumes and prevent a secondary incident.
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority also helped secure the scene and manage traffic.
“Through coordinated and tactical efforts, a major disaster was averted, and no loss of life or casualty was recorded,” the permanent secretary said.
Another Truck Incident Disrupts Traffic in Agege
In a separate incident, LASEMA’s Tiger Response Team from C3 restored traffic movement at Oke Koto, Agege, after a Dangote cement truck climbed a road divider and became stuck.
The incident, which was attributed to reckless driving, obstructed vehicular movement and prompted the deployment of the agency’s response team in collaboration with LASTMA.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency deployed its heavy-duty recovery equipment, known as Super Metro, to remove the truck, which was subsequently towed to the LASTMA yard for further action.
He confirmed that the road had been reopened to traffic and that no death or injury was recorded.
The permanent secretary commended emergency responders for their swift intervention and urged motorists to observe speed limits and traffic regulations, particularly when transporting heavy loads and hazardous materials.
He also urged residents to report emergencies through LASEMA’s toll-free lines, 767 and 112.
Two Rescued from Lagos Building Fire
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was reported to have rescued two adult men from a fire that engulfed an eight-room bungalow on Onitire Road, Itire, Lagos State, on Tuesday.
One of the rescued men, aged 42, sustained burn injuries while attempting to rescue a 75-year-old wheelchair user from the burning building.
