LASEMA averts disaster as 33,000-litre ethanol tanker falls in Lagos

By Adebola Muili

A major disaster was averted in Lagos after a tanker conveying 33,000 litres of ethanol fell at the Second Rainbow Bridge in the Amuwo Odofin area, raising fears of a possible fire outbreak or explosion.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed this in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, confirming that no life was lost and no casualty was recorded.

The agency said preliminary investigations indicated that the accident occurred when the driver of a FOTON truck, with registration number APP 346 YC, was allegedly speeding while attempting to negotiate a turn on the bridge.

The manoeuvre reportedly caused the truck’s turntable to detach and fall on the roundabout, leaving the tanker laden with the highly volatile substance overturned and obstructing the entire stretch.

Given the risk of fire and explosion associated with ethanol, LASEMA’s Beta Eagle Response Team from Cappa, working with other emergency responders, immediately secured the scene and activated crowd and traffic control measures.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service applied chemical foam to the tanker and the surrounding area to suppress fumes and minimise the risk of a secondary incident.

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) also assisted in securing the area and managing traffic during the emergency operation.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the coordinated intervention of the responding agencies helped prevent a potentially devastating incident.

“Through coordinated and tactical efforts, a major disaster was averted and no loss of life or casualty was recorded,” he stated.

In a separate incident, LASEMA said its Tiger Response Team from C3 restored traffic flow at Oke Koto, Agege, after a Dangote cement truck climbed a road divider and became stuck, obstructing vehicular movement.

The agency attributed the incident to reckless driving, adding that its response team collaborated with LASTMA to manage traffic and ensure the safe removal of the truck.

According to the statement, LASEMA deployed its heavy-duty recovery equipment, known as Super Metro, to remove the vehicle, which was subsequently towed to the LASTMA yard for further action.

The agency confirmed that the road had been reopened to traffic, with no death or injury recorded in the incident.

The permanent secretary commended the emergency responders for their swift intervention and urged motorists to comply with speed limits and traffic regulations, particularly when transporting heavy loads and hazardous materials.

He also appealed to residents to report emergencies promptly through LASEMA’s toll-free emergency numbers, 767 and 112.