The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed a tragic petrol tanker accident on Ekoro Road, Abule Egba, which claimed the life of an adult female and left a teenage girl injured.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening, causing widespread panic among residents and commuters.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, explained that the agency received distress calls through the 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines at around 7:00 p.m.
“Upon receiving the alert, LASEMA immediately activated the state’s Emergency Response Plan from our Igando Base along Igando–LASU Road to manage the situation swiftly,” he said.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene at approximately 8:04 p.m., where they discovered a petrol tanker carrying about 15,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit involved in a lone accident.
“Our preliminary findings indicate that the tanker suffered a mechanical fault, lost control, ran over a bystander, and collided with a nearby roadside shop,” Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
The driver of the tanker was reportedly missing from the scene, and investigations are ongoing to locate him and determine the precise cause of the crash.
The tragic incident resulted in the death of an adult female bystander, while a 15-year-old teenage girl was trapped in the wreckage.
Emergency responders acted swiftly, rescuing the teenager and handing her over to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) for immediate treatment before transferring her to a hospital for further care.
The body of the deceased was recovered and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for proper documentation and further investigation.
LASEMA also deployed traffic control measures around the site to prevent secondary accidents, ensuring the safety of other road users.
Several agencies collaborated in managing the scene, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps.
Both the tanker and the affected roadside shop sustained considerable damage, highlighting the destructive impact of such accidents involving fuel-laden vehicles.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the chaos following the crash.
One resident said, “We heard a loud bang, and people were screaming. The tanker just lost control and hit the shop. It was terrifying.”
Another commuter recalled how quickly emergency personnel arrived and began rescue operations, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in urban areas prone to traffic incidents.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized that LASEMA continuously trains its personnel to respond to emergencies involving hazardous materials, such as fuel tankers.
“The safety of Lagos residents is our top priority. We have detailed protocols in place to manage accidents efficiently and prevent further casualties,” he said.
Petrol tanker accidents are a serious safety concern in Lagos, given the dense population and heavy traffic in areas like Abule Egba.
Experts advise drivers and commercial vehicle operators to ensure that vehicles are regularly maintained to prevent mechanical failures. Additionally, pedestrians are urged to remain cautious near busy roads and construction zones.
The Lagos State government has called for increased vigilance from both drivers and residents. Authorities stressed the importance of reporting accidents immediately through emergency lines, which played a critical role in this incident’s rapid response.
The collaboration among LASEMA, LASTMA, FRSC, LASAMBUS, and other agencies was instrumental in minimizing the impact and ensuring that victims received urgent medical attention.
In the wake of the accident, LASEMA plans to review safety measures for fuel transportation, including route planning and driver monitoring, to reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences.
The agency also aims to raise public awareness about road safety and the dangers of petrol tanker mishaps.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks posed by heavy vehicles carrying hazardous materials in urban environments.
While the quick response prevented additional injuries, the loss of life underscores the need for strict safety regulations and community vigilance.
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