A fuel tanker carrying petroleum product fell down and spilled its content running toward residential buildings at Ajayi Junction along Oke-Ira Road by Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Ikeja.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening, and residents and motorists narrowly escaped death.
However, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) averted what could have been another major fire disaster at Ogba.
Bolaji Oreagba, the General Manager of LASTMA, confirmed the incident through the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq.
Adebayo stated that the LASTMA officials, as first emergency responders, immediately called other emergency responders, particularly the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services to secure the environment against area boys including other members of the public who had already wanted to be scooping spilling fuel from the tanker.
Adebayo explained that LASTMA officials acted swiftly upon arriving at the scene at 8:00 pm. They secured the area to prevent unauthorized access, especially by individuals attempting to collect spilled fuel from the tanker.
Policemen from Oke-Ira Area ‘G’ Police Division provided security backup at the scene with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services doing the needful.
Motorists coming from Haruna or Ojodu Berger end were diverted through Excellence Hotel to come out from Muyibi Street and link Oke-Ira proper to continue their journey.
Investigation revealed that trans-loading has commenced immediately into another tanker brought to the scene by the owner.
The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, confirmed the development but could not confirm if there was any casualty recorded.