How LASTMA Officials Averted Tanker Explosion On Surulere Bridge

Eko Hot Blog reports that operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in conjunction with other emergency response agencies, on Tuesday, averted another potential tanker explosion as a petrol-laden truck heading towards Barracks/Ojuelegba on Funsho Williams Avenue fell on Stadium Bridge, Surulere, Lagos.

The agency made the disclosure in a statement issued by its Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Mr Adebayo Taofiq.

Taofiq explained that a Conoil Tanker (T–22032EA) loaded with Petroleum product (PMS) toppled onto a Golf Volkswagen car (KRD 810 EA), spilling its content across the opposite side of the expressway.

He confirmed that to prevent another imminent fire explosion, LASTMA Officials acted as first responders and alerted other emergency response units, including the LASEMA Response Unit (LRU) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services.

In his words, “After they arrived at the scene, our personnel immediately secured the environment against area boys, including other members of the public who had already gathered with buckets/jerry cans to scoop fuel on the road.”

The LASTMA spokesperson confirmed that Policemen from Area ‘C’ Police Division at Barracks provided security backup at the scene with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services doing the needful.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fallen Conoil tanker loaded fuel at Apapa and was headed to Ikeja before the truck had a failed brake on Stadium Bridge,” he added.

Traffic Officer Olukoga Olajide who led the LASTMA rescue operation to the scene affirmed that the driver of the Conoil tanker, Sefiyu Adamu was apprehended and handed over to the Police for further investigation.

Recall that the Lagos State Government recently restricted trucks including petroleum tankers from plying Ojuelegba, Stadium and Dorman-Long Bridges to avert such accidents.

However, some trucks have flouted the restriction.

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