The timely intervention of the officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) prevented another tanker explosion at Obadeyi before Ijaye along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.
LASTMA, in a statement released on Thursday by its Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, said the tanker driver absconded after the tanker fell in the early hours of Thursday.
He wrote: “Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority have prevented another diesel fire explosion at Obadeyi before Ijaye along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.
“The tanker with registration number JJJ 596 XX, fully loaded with diesel products, fell around 6:10 am and had its contents spreading on the expressway.
Traffic Officer Ajanlekoko Bolade (Bravo 19, Abule-Egba), who led LASTMA rescue operations to the scene, confirmed that the driver of the tanker ran away immediately after the incident.”
Taofiq stated that scoopers were chased from the scene to avoid a fire explosion, adding that Policemen from the Meiran Police Division also provided security backup at the scene.
“To prevent another imminent fire explosion, LASTMA, after arriving at the scene, immediately chased away scoopers and condoned off the entire vicinity.
“LASTMA personnel immediately called the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, including Lasema Response Unit and immediately secured the environment against area boys who had started scooping diesel with buckets/jerry cans.”
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the fallen tanker fully loaded with diesel was coming from Abule-Egba going to Ijaye before the driver lost control due to a brake failure at Obadeyi.”
Taofiq also announced a traffic diversion at Hamadiya by Hamadiya Hospital.
