Speeding gas tanker bursts into flames in Lagos

A potentially devastating fire involving a gas tanker was brought under control on Thursday after the vehicle burst into flames at Ola Farm Bus Stop along Abaranje Road in Ikotun, Lagos.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that no one was killed or injured in the incident.

In a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Olawale Afolabi, the tanker reportedly ran into trouble after hitting a road bump at excessive speed. The impact caused the driver to lose control, while one of the tyres burst and triggered the fire.

Emergency responders arrived to find the tanker completely engulfed in flames. Working alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, they succeeded in putting out the fire before it could spread to nearby buildings or other road users.

Traffic and security around the scene were jointly managed by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the Federal Road Safety Corps and officers from the Ikotun Police Division, ensuring order while emergency operations continued.

Although the blaze has been extinguished, the damaged tanker was still being removed from the roadway, with heavy-duty recovery equipment deployed to clear the obstruction and restore normal traffic flow.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, used the incident to remind motorists of the dangers of reckless driving.

He urged drivers to obey speed limits, particularly near road bumps and within residential communities.

Oke-Osanyintolu said compliance with traffic regulations would help protect lives and property.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to disaster preparedness, rapid emergency response and public safety across the state.

He also urged residents to report emergencies through the state’s toll-free lines, 112 and 767, for prompt response.