Emergency teams in Lagos swiftly contained a gas leak after a tanker overturned, prompting panic and evacuations. LASTMA said a “near fire disaster” was successfully averted.
Panic gripped parts of Lagos on Monday after a gas-laden tanker overturned, forcing residents and passersby to flee for safety. Eyewitnesses said the crash was followed by a loud bang and hissing sound as gas began leaking from the tanker.
“I was on my way to work when the truck crashed,” one eyewitness recounted. “I immediately ran away from the scene. It was chaotic.”
Emergency responders, including LASTMA, LASEMA, the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, and the Police, swiftly arrived to contain the situation. The area was cordoned off, and traffic diverted to prevent any ignition sources.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed that a “near fire disaster” was averted through rapid inter-agency response. He said the Howo gas tanker overturned after the driver lost control.
“Our officers displayed remarkable precision, professionalism, and courage in managing the situation,” he said, noting that the tanker was recovered under strict safety protocols.