By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned residents, traders and food vendors against consuming or selling groundnut oil recovered from a tanker that overturned in Lagos.
The warning followed an incident in which a tanker carrying groundnut oil overturned, spilling its contents onto the road and attracting residents who reportedly rushed to the scene to collect the product in containers.
In response to the incident, LASTMA deployed its rescue and recovery team, supported by two heavy-duty tow vehicles, to remove the overturned tanker and facilitate the restoration of traffic movement in the affected area.
Other agencies that participated in the emergency response included the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
No casualties had been reported as of the time the incident was reported.
LASTMA Raises Alarm Over Possible Contamination
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, cautioned members of the public against consuming the spilled groundnut oil or selling it to unsuspecting buyers.
According to the agency, the product could have been contaminated by road debris, drainage water, environmental pollutants and other potentially harmful substances during the accident.
LASTMA stressed that using contaminated cooking oil could expose consumers to serious health risks, urging residents to prioritise their safety rather than attempt to recover the spilled product for domestic or commercial purposes.
The agency also advised traders and food vendors to avoid purchasing or distributing the recovered oil, warning that its appearance alone could not guarantee that it remained safe for consumption.
The incident has renewed concerns about public safety during tanker accidents, particularly when spilled food products attract crowds of people seeking to collect them.
LASTMA urged residents to cooperate with emergency responders during such incidents and avoid activities that could endanger their health or obstruct rescue operations.
The authority reiterated the importance of public awareness and responsible behaviour in preventing avoidable health risks following road accidents.
