The operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have averted another diesel fire explosion on the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway before Ijaye, near Obadeyi.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, it was disclosed that the tanker driver absconded shortly after the tanker overturned in the early hours of Thursday.
He said, “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 Ajalekoko Bolade (operating as Bravo 19 in Abule-Egba) who headed the rescue efforts for LASTMA at the site, affirmed that the tanker driver fled the scene promptly following the incident.
Taofiq explained that individuals attempting to collect fuel from the scene were chased away to prevent a potential fire explosion, and the Meiran Police Division also provided security support at the location.
“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 falling 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 revealed a traffic detour at Hamadiya, affecting both Hamadiya Hospital Way and vehicles traveling in the opposite direction from the toll gate.