By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has successfully prevented a major disaster following the overturning of a fully loaded Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker on the Lekki–Epe Expressway in the early hours of Sunday.
The incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on the inward carriageway of the expressway at Awoyaya, when a lone articulated tanker reportedly lost control and overturned while in motion. Authorities described the situation as highly dangerous due to the flammable nature of the tanker’s contents, posing an immediate threat to lives, property, and the environment.
LASTMA’s Rescue and Recovery Unit responded swiftly, cordoning off the affected area, instituting traffic control measures, and coordinating recovery operations to contain the situation. The prompt intervention prevented fuel scooping, secondary crashes, and any outbreak of fire.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was also deployed to the scene, where officers enforced strict fire prevention protocols and maintained continuous surveillance to avert ignition. Emergency responders carefully supervised the transloading of the fuel into an empty 33,000-litre tanker to eliminate further risk.
Vehicular movement along the affected section of the expressway was temporarily suspended but later restored after safety was fully assured. No casualties were recorded in the incident.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, commended the effective collaboration between LASTMA and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, describing the response as prompt and professional.
LASTMA has again urged tanker drivers and operators of articulated vehicles to exercise caution, ensure regular vehicle maintenance, and strictly comply with safety regulations, especially during night operations, to safeguard lives and critical infrastructure across the state.
