LASTMA, others avert major disaster after jeep-tanker collision

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in collaboration with other emergency agencies, averted a major disaster following a collision between a Lexus Jeep and a fully-loaded Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki said the incident happened around Berger Suya, inward Mile 2, Lagos.

“According to preliminary security reports, the Lexus Jeep, with registration number LSR 606 XH, was reportedly speeding when it collided with the PMS-laden tanker.

“The impact caused the tanker driver to lose control, subsequently ramming into several unregistered vehicles displayed along the highway setback, resulting in extensive damage to the affected vehicles.

“LASTMA personnel attached to the area arrived at the scene with commendable promptness, cordoning off and restricting vehicular movement across the entire corridor to ensure public safety.

“They ensured the facilitating of the safe transloading of the highly flammable PMS into another tanker,” he said.

He said the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service deployed its officers to the scene, flushed and neutralised the fuel spillage and averted an imminent explosion.

He added that officers from the Trinity Police Division provided security reinforcement throughout the sensitive operation, maintaining order and safeguarding the accident scene during the transloading and evacuation processes.

“Further investigation revealed that the driver of the Lexus Jeep sustained injuries and was subsequently handed over to the Police by LASTMA officials for further inquiry, while the tanker driver absconded immediately after the incident,” he said.

Bakare-Oki lauded the swift synergy and professionalism demonstrated by all responding agencies, describing the intervention as a remarkable testament to the efficiency, coordination, and readiness of Lagos State’s emergency response architecture.

He noted that the timely containment of the situation prevented what could have been a devastating explosion, given the volatility of petroleum products.

Bakare-Oki, however, urged motorists to desist from reckless driving, adhere strictly to speed limits, and exercise maximum caution while on the road.

He emphasised that LASTMA remained steadfastly committed to the protection of lives and property through proactive traffic management, continuous public sensitisation, and rapid emergency interventions.

He reiterated that under the ongoing 24-hour operational regime, LASTMA would continue to strengthen collaboration with emergency and security agencies to ensure that traffic-related incidents across Lagos are swiftly and safely managed.

“This will thereby minimise casualties and prevent secondary disasters,” he said.