Anxiety gripped commuters on Friday afternoon when a compact gas tanker burst into flames along the Owode-Elede route towards Ikorodu in Lagos following a sudden gas leak. Emergency officials confirmed there were no deaths recorded up to the point of this report.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service partnered with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to rapidly extinguish the blaze and prevent what might have turned into a catastrophic event. Investigators found that the tanker had developed a mechanical problem during transit, causing compressed gas to escape, which then caught fire and engulfed the vehicle.
LASTMA's rescue team rushed to the scene and removed the burning tanker from the roadway. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, LASTMA's general manager, praised the rapid reaction from all agencies involved.
"Through swift, coordinated and highly professional emergency action, the fire was immediately brought under control, thereby preventing it from spiralling into a potentially catastrophic inferno that could have endangered lives, property and critical road infrastructure," he said.
To keep traffic moving, LASTMA officers opened an alternative passage by linking one working lane with the Bus Rapid Transit corridor, allowing vehicles to flow in an orderly manner. Despite the emergency operations, the affected stretch remained relatively clear.
Bakare-Oki highlighted the seamless teamwork displayed by emergency responders, calling it vital to stopping a potentially disastrous outcome. He urged drivers to stay alert, follow traffic rules and work with emergency teams during rescue efforts.
"LASTMA stays committed to protecting lives and property, maintaining smooth traffic movement and providing rapid emergency services across Lagos State's transport network," he added.
