LASEMA CLEARS OBSTRUCTIONS, RESTORES FREE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AT ONIPANU, NATIONAL
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has once again demonstrated its rapid response capability and commitment to public safety with the successful recovery of two major truck incidents that obstructed vehicular movement along Ikorodu Road and the National-Ashade corridor.
In the first incident, following a distress alert received at 5:53 p.m. on September 20, 2026, the LASEMA Cobra Team stationed at Onipanu was immediately activated and deployed to Palmgrove inward Obanikoro along Ikorodu Road.
Upon arrival at the scene, the Response Team observed a loaded mixer truck belonging to Ecocrete Construction Company, which had been involved in a lone accident and had fallen sideways on the BRT corridor. Preliminary investigation suggests that the accident was due to reckless driving and overspeeding. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
However, the driver of the affected truck absconded immediately after the incident. LASEMA, in collaboration with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Nigeria Police Force, promptly secured the scene, controlled traffic and commenced recovery operations to evacuate the impediment off the BRT lane.
In a related development, at about 11:21 p.m. on the same day, the LASEMA Eagle Response Team stationed at Cappa was activated following a report of a truck incident at National, Ashade. On arrival, the team discovered a MACK truck with an unknown registration number, laden with two 20ft containers, which had broken down while attempting to make a U-turn. Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident was caused by a tyre burst, which made the truck tilt, posing a serious threat to road users and blocking about 80 per cent of the roadway.
In line with global best practices in emergency management, the Eagle Team immediately implemented traffic diversion measures and secured the perimeter to prevent a secondary incident. Responders from LASEMA and LASTMA remained on the ground managing traffic while awaiting heavy-duty equipment.
Through coordinated efforts and with the aid of a private crane, two forklifts and the Agency's lowbed, the containers were successfully recovered and placed on the Agency's lowbed, while the MACK truck was towed to the LASTMA yard at Oshodi with the aid of a private tow truck. The road has since been fully cleared and reopened for free vehicular movement.
No loss of life or injury was recorded in both incidents.
Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, commended the gallantry and professionalism of the Cobra and Eagle Response Teams and all collaborating agencies for their swift intervention, which prevented gridlock and averted potential secondary accidents. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government under the purposeful leadership of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to building a resilient emergency management system that guarantees prompt response to all emergencies across the State.
The Permanent Secretary urged drivers of articulated vehicles and heavy-duty trucks to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles, adhere strictly to speed limits and traffic regulations, and exercise utmost caution on Lagos roads. Members of the public are enjoined to continue to report emergencies promptly via the 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines for immediate response.
More photos below.
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