Four trucks burnt as petrol tanker bursts into flames in Lagos

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Swift intervention by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Sunday averted what could have been a deadly catastrophe after a petrol tanker accident sparked a major fire outbreak at Iyana-Isolo, inward Oshodi, Lagos.

The petroleum-laden tanker, carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), reportedly overturned while in transit and immediately went up in flames.

The resulting inferno spread rapidly, consuming at least four other trucks parked nearby.

Preliminary findings revealed that the accident was caused by reckless over-speeding, which led to the driver’s loss of control along the busy corridor.

According to the agency, LASTMA operatives, under the supervision of its operational command, quickly mobilised inter-agency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, police officers from Aswani, Ilasa and Mushin divisions, as well as the Neighbourhood Safety Corps.

Their swift collaboration successfully brought the blaze under control, preventing it from escalating into a larger disaster.

General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed that additional personnel from adjoining zones were deployed to strengthen containment efforts.

He expressed relief that no lives were lost, attributing the outcome to the agency’s rapid response in cordoning off the affected stretch of road and diverting traffic away from the danger zone.

Bakare-Oki cautioned drivers of articulated vehicles, fuel tankers, and heavy-duty trucks against violating speed limits and other road safety regulations.

He stressed that compliance with traffic laws is essential to safeguarding lives, protecting property, and ensuring the smooth flow of transportation in Lagos.

He further urged residents to utilise LASTMA’s toll-free hotline (080000527862) to report emergencies and assured the public that the agency remains fully equipped to respond decisively to traffic-related incidents at all times.

“LASTMA remains committed to the preservation of life, the protection of property, and the continuous promotion of safe, orderly, and sustainable traffic management across Lagos State,” Bakare-Oki affirmed.