LASEMA AVERTS MAJOR DISASTER AS ETHANOL TANKER OVERTURNS AT SECOND RAINBOW BRIDGE, RECOVERS STUCK DANGOTE TRUCK AT OKE-KOTO AGEGE. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

 LASEMA AVERTS MAJOR DISASTER AS ETHANOL TANKER OVERTURNS AT SECOND RAINBOW BRIDGE, RECOVERS STUCK DANGOTE TRUCK AT OKE-KOTO AGEGE

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has once again demonstrated its swift emergency response capability and unwavering commitment to public safety with the successful management of two critical incidents recorded in the early hours of today across the State.

In the early hours of this morning, the Agency’s Tiger Response Team from C3 received a distress call regarding a truck breakdown at Oke-Koto, Agege. The team was immediately dispatched and arrived at the scene, where it was observed that a Dangote cement truck had climbed the road divider as a result of reckless driving, thereby becoming immobile and obstructing vehicular movement.

The Agency’s Response Team, in collaboration with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, immediately assessed the situation and activated necessary traffic management measures to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of other road users. 

With the deployment of the Agency’s heavy-duty recovery equipment, the Super Metro, the recovery operation was carried out professionally, and the truck was successfully removed and towed to the LASTMA yard for further action. The road has since been reopened for free flow of traffic. No loss of life or injury was recorded in the incident.

In a more critical operation that could have resulted in a major disaster, the Beta Eagle Response Team from Cappa responded to a tanker incident at the Second Rainbow Bridge in Amuwo Odofin. Upon arrival, the team discovered a FOTON truck with registration number APP-346 YC fully loaded with 33 thousand litres of ethanol, which had fallen in the middle of the road. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident was caused by the driver overspeeding while attempting to make a turn on the bridge, which led to the turntable cutting off from the truck and falling on the roundabout, thereby blocking the entire roundabout.

Recognising the highly volatile nature of ethanol and the imminent risk of fire and explosion, the Eagle Response Team, in collaboration with other responders, immediately cordoned off the area and activated crowd and traffic control measures. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service professionally blanketed the tanker and the entire area with chemical foam to suppress fumes and prevent any secondary incident.

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force and LASTMA also provided critical support in securing the scene and managing traffic. Through coordinated and tactical efforts, a major disaster was averted, and no loss of life or casualties were recorded.

The Lagos State Government, through LASEMA, reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in line with global best practices in emergency and disaster management. The Agency commends all responders for their professionalism and swift intervention.

Motorists are once again advised to adhere strictly to speed limits and traffic regulations, particularly when conveying heavy and hazardous materials.

Members of the public are also urged to continue to report all emergencies promptly through the Agency’s toll-free emergency lines 767 and 112.

Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu

Permanent Secretary

LASEMA.

More photos below.