LAGOS/Nigeria: A major emergency unfolded in Lagos on Tuesday after a gas-laden truck overturned on Eko Bridge, prompting a swift multi-agency response by the state government to contain potential risks and safeguard lives.
The development was confirmed by the Head of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Mr. Olawale Afolabi, who disclosed that the accident occurred outward Apongbon axis, triggering immediate intervention by emergency services.
According to LASEMA, the 10-tonne truck, carrying over 10,000 kilograms of cooking gas, lost control following a tyre burst, rammed into the road median and overturned, resulting in continuous gas leakage.
The agency noted that the incident also led to damage of a solar-powered street light installed on the bridge, further complicating the situation.
In response, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, directed a coordinated emergency operation involving multiple agencies to prevent escalation and ensure public safety.
Agencies deployed to the scene include LASEMA, Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), the Police and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Emergency responders immediately cordoned off the affected area and diverted traffic, while firefighters worked to mitigate the risk of explosion and technical teams moved to contain the gas leakage.
Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, reiterated that public safety remains the government’s priority, urging residents to steer clear of the scene and avoid any activity that could trigger ignition.
He also advised tanker operators to adhere strictly to safety standards and regulatory requirements to prevent similar incidents.
Motorists have been directed to use alternative routes as recovery and containment operations continue, with authorities assuring residents that normal traffic flow will be restored as soon as the situation is fully under control.
