- Safiu Kehinde
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has, in collaboration with the Lagos Fires Service, averted an impending gas tanker explosion in the state.
Swift reaction from the officials and emergency responders what could have been a major fire disaster following the outbreak of fire from a leaking six-tyre mini gas tanker at the Owode Elede corridor, inward Ikorodu.
This was made known in a statement issued on Friday by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.
According to Taofiq, fire erupted from the gas tanker after developing a mechanical fault which led to leakage of the compressed gas, prompting swift action by officials on ground.
“The Gas tanker developed a mechanical fault while in transit. In the course of emergency assessment and intervention, a leakage of compressed gas was detected, which subsequently ignited and triggered a fire outbreak around the affected vehicle.
“LASTMA Rescue and Recovery Team swiftly mobilized to the scene in concert with personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
“Through a prompt, coordinated and highly professional emergency response operation, the fire was immediately contained, thereby preventing its escalation into a potentially catastrophic inferno capable of endangering lives, property and critical road infrastructure.” Taofiq wrote.
To minimise traffic disruption and maintain seamless vehicular movement within the corridor, LASTMA operatives strategically created an alternative passage by utilising one serviceable lane in conjunction with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor for controlled traffic management.
Consequently, traffic flow along the affected axis was orderly and substantially free-flowing despite the safety operations.
According to Taofiq, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the swift intervention and synergy demonstrated by all emergency responders, noting that their prompt actions were instrumental in averting a potentially devastating incident.
He further urged motorists to exercise utmost caution, comply with traffic regulations and cooperate fully with emergency personnel.