LASEMA averts disaster, recovers 45,000-litre PMS tanker in Epe

By Adebola Muili

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has averted a potential major disaster after successfully recovering a fallen tanker loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at Isimi, Lagos, inward Itokin, Epe.

The incident occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when the tanker, with registration number T-18212LA, overturned while attempting to manoeuvre past a Ford pickup van, registration number KJA-13FJ, which had developed a mechanical fault and was stationary along the carriageway.

According to LASEMA, the tanker’s rear tyre slipped into a pit during the manoeuvre, causing the vehicle to overturn onto the pickup van and resulting in the spillage of its highly inflammable contents onto the roadway.

The Agency said its LRT Beta Whales Team stationed in Epe was activated following a distress call received at 10:19 a.m. and immediately dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, the responders secured the area and activated a multi-agency incident management protocol involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The agencies implemented traffic control and diversion measures while deploying safety protocols to prevent a secondary incident.

As part of efforts to reduce the risk of fire outbreak, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service blanketed the fallen tanker and its immediate surroundings with chemical foam, while the affected section of the road was temporarily closed to vehicular movement.

LASEMA said the remaining PMS in the damaged tanker was subsequently transferred to an empty tanker without incident, after which both the accidented tanker and the affected Ford pickup van were removed from the roadway with the aid of a private tow truck.

The vehicles were taken to Ketu Police Station, while the affected section of the road was reopened to traffic.

Commenting on the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, commended the emergency responders for their swift response and effective coordination, saying their professionalism helped prevent what could have developed into a major disaster.

Oke-Osanyintolu also reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to strengthening emergency preparedness and rapid response capacity to protect lives and property across the state.

He urged motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles and tankers conveying combustible products, to ensure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition, comply with traffic regulations and exercise caution while driving on Lagos roads.

The Permanent Secretary further urged members of the public to promptly report emergencies and road incidents through the 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines for immediate intervention.

No death or injury was recorded in the incident.