Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency responders on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, prevented another petroleum fire explosion on top of Stadium Bridge inward Barracks/Ojuelegba on Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere, Lagos.
In a press statement released by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Mr Adebayo Taofiq confirmed that a Conoil tanker, T–22032EA, fully loaded with Petroleum product (PMS) fell on a Golf Volkswagen car, KRD 810 EA, and had its contents spreading over other side of the expressway.
Adebayo confirmed that in order to prevent another imminent fire explosion, LASTMA officials as first emergency responders after arriving at the scene immediately called other emergency responders particularly the LASEMA Response Unit (LRU) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services.
“After arriving at the scene, our personnel immediately secured the environment against area boys including other members of the public who had already gathered with buckets/jerry cans with the intention of scooping spreading fuel on the road”
Adebayo confirmed that Policemen from Area ‘C’ Police Division at Barracks provided security backup at the scene with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services doing the needful.
He confirmed further that motorists coming towards Stadium bridge inward Barracks/Ojuelegba on Funsho Williams Avenue diverted to ply service lane and continue their journey.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the falling Conoil tanker loaded fuel at Apapa and was on his way to Ikeja before the truck developed a break failure on Stadium Bridge,” he said.
Traffic Officer Olukoga Olajide who led LASTMA rescue operations to the scene confirmed that the driver of fallen Conoil tanker, Sefiyu Adamu, was arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation.
You will recall that the Lagos State Government restricted trucks including petroleum tankers drivers from plying Ojuelegba, Stadium and Dorma-long bridges to forestall further accident on the bridge.
