TANKER CRASH ON LEKKI–EPE EXPRESSWAY; FIRE DISASTER NARROWLY AVERTED
Read Time:1 Minute, 31 Second
By: Muftau Fatimo
Lagos State emergency authorities narrowly prevented a potentially devastating fire early Sunday following the overturn of a fully loaded Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker along the inward-bound lane of the Lekki–Epe Expressway at Awoyaya.
The tanker, reportedly carrying tens of thousands of litres of PMS, lost control around 2:00 a.m., overturning in a high-traffic area. Due to the flammable nature of the fuel, the incident posed a serious threat to motorists, nearby properties, and the environment.
Officials said LASTMA’s Rescue and Recovery Unit was quickly deployed to the scene. Operatives cordoned off the area, implemented traffic diversions, and kept fuel scavengers at bay. Their swift action was credited with averting what could have escalated into a major fire disaster.
“The tanker was fully loaded, and the risk of ignition was extremely high,” a LASTMA spokesperson said. “Our team acted decisively to secure the area and manage traffic, ensuring no lives were endangered.”
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded promptly, establishing fire prevention measures, maintaining round-the-clock surveillance, and monitoring the tanker closely for leaks or signs of combustion. Thankfully, no casualties were reported.
To further reduce risk, the fuel was carefully transferred into an empty 33,000-litre tanker under strict supervision by emergency personnel.
Traffic on the affected stretch was temporarily halted but gradually resumed once safety protocols were fully implemented.
Authorities have urged tanker operators and heavy vehicle drivers to maintain their vehicles properly, observe speed limits, and exercise heightened caution during night-time operations, especially on busy highways.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, praised LASTMA and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service for their swift, coordinated, and professional response, which successfully prevented a major disaster and protected lives and property.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0