A major disaster was averted in Lagos on Friday after emergency responders successfully contained a leaking Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker at Owode Elede, inward Onirin, along Ikorodu Road, preventing what could have resulted in a devastating fire or explosion.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed the development in a statement issued by its Head of Public Affairs, Afolabi Olawale, saying no casualty was recorded during the incident.
According to the agency, its Tiger Squad was activated in the early hours of Friday following reports of a gas leak involving an LPG tanker.
Upon arrival at the scene, emergency responders discovered a tanker bearing registration number MUS-289YH, loaded with approximately five tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, leaking its contents onto the roadway.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the leakage developed unexpectedly from the underside of the moving tanker.
The agency commended the driver for his prompt response, noting that he safely brought the vehicle to a stop, thereby preventing a potentially catastrophic incident.
“The driver acted promptly by bringing the vehicle to a safe stop, thereby preventing a possible fire outbreak or explosion,” the statement said.
To prevent further danger, LASEMA coordinated a multi-agency emergency response involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), which diverted traffic away from the affected area while emergency operations continued.
Responders immediately commenced continuous water blanketing of the tanker and its surroundings to suppress gas vapour, minimise the risk of ignition and maintain a secure safety perimeter.
According to the agency, a certified repair technician was deployed to the scene to carry out repairs aimed at completely stopping the leakage.
“A certified repair technician is on site carrying out the necessary repairs to fully contain the leakage,” the statement added.
LASEMA confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded during the operation.
The agency said emergency personnel remained at the location to enforce safety measures while repair work continued, adding that recovery and clearance operations would commence immediately after the tanker was certified safe for movement.
Reacting to the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, urged motorists to cooperate with traffic management officials and avoid any activity capable of igniting the leaked gas.
“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,” he advised.
He also called on operators of tankers and other articulated vehicles to strictly adhere to vehicle maintenance standards and safe driving practices to minimise the occurrence of similar incidents on Lagos roads.
Friday’s incident is the latest emergency successfully managed by the agency. Just a day earlier, LASEMA dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that a building had collapsed in the Alakija area of Lagos.
Oke-Osanyintolu described the reports as false and misleading after emergency officials were deployed to the location and confirmed that no building collapse had occurred.
As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders were still at the scene monitoring the situation and ensuring public safety.