Two truck incidents disrupt Lagos traffic, LASEMA restores movement

By AAdebola Muili

Two separate truck-related incidents disrupted traffic on major routes in Lagos on Tuesday, with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) deploying emergency responders to clear the affected areas and restore vehicular movement.

The incidents occurred at Iyana-Oworo inward Anthony and Ahmadiyya inward Meiran along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, with no death or injury recorded in either case.

The Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the agency’s Tiger Team at C3 responded to a distress call at about 9:15 a.m. over an articulated truck that had become obstructive at Iyana-Oworo inward Anthony.

According to him, the truck, which was conveying a 40-foot container loaded with large cylindrical metal tanks, suffered a rear tyre burst while in motion, obstructing vehicular movement towards Gbagada.

He said the response team secured the scene and activated traffic management measures to prevent secondary incidents, while a technician was mobilised to replace the damaged tyre.

The truck was subsequently driven off the carriageway, while the obstructed portion of the road was cleared and reopened to traffic.

In the second incident, LASEMA’s Beta Team at Igando responded to a lone tanker accident at Ahmadiyya inward Meiran along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway at about 11:30 a.m.

Oke-Osanyintolu said an empty oil tanker exploded while welding repairs were being carried out on it along the expressway, affecting two tricycles that had been moved from the scene before emergency responders arrived.

He said no life was lost and no injury was sustained in the incident.

The recovery operation involved LASEMA, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) and the Nigeria Police Force, Ojokoro Division.

The permanent secretary said a private tow truck with Hiab support was deployed, while the damaged tanker was cut into sections and towed away from the highway.

He added that the remaining carcass was moved to a lay-by, allowing the affected corridor to be restored and traffic to flow freely.

Oke-Osanyintolu urged motorists, particularly operators of articulated vehicles, to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy and avoid carrying out major repairs on highways.

He advised motorists to patronise approved mechanic workshops for major repairs, noting that such measures would help prevent avoidable accidents.

He assured Lagos residents of LASEMA’s continued readiness to respond promptly to emergencies and safeguard lives and property across the state.