A high-speed Lexus SUV crashed with a fully laden gasoline tanker near Berger Suya, approaching Mile 2, on Sunday, averting a huge tragedy in Lagos. The collision set off a series of collisions that damaged multiple vehicles on display for sale.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, or LASTMA, claims that emergency personnel’s prompt action stopped what may have been a devastating explosion.
According to a statement released by Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, preliminary reports indicated that the Lexus SUV with registration number LSR 606 XH was speeding when it collided with the tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit, PMS.
According to Bakare-Oki, “the impact caused the tanker driver to lose control, forcing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into multiple unregistered cars displayed for sale along the highway setback.”
He clarified that in order to protect people and property, LASTMA officers stationed nearby quickly responded at the incident, blocked off the entire corridor, and limited vehicle traffic. Additionally, the organization made it possible for the extremely volatile fuel to be safely transferred into a different tanker.
An explosion was successfully prevented when the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which also reacted quickly, flushed and neutralized the spilled fuel. During the transloading and evacuation drills, Trinity Police Division officers served as security backup.
Bakare-Oki further stated that the tanker driver left the site right away following the collision, while the driver of the Lexus SUV was injured and turned over to the police for more investigation.
He described the coordinated reaction as a “remarkable demonstration of professionalism, efficiency, and preparedness within Lagos State’s emergency management system” and praised the smooth cooperation between LASTMA, the fire department, and the police.
“Given the volatile nature of the product involved, the quick containment of the incident prevented what could have been a major disaster,” he said.
Bakare-Oki said that excessive speeding is still one of the main causes of preventable traffic accidents and encouraged drivers to abide strictly by speed limits.
He reiterated LASTMA’s dedication to safeguarding people and property by proactive traffic control, ongoing public awareness campaigns, and timely emergency response.
“To ensure that road incidents across Lagos are swiftly and safely managed, the agency will continue to strengthen its 24-hour operational framework and enhance collaboration with other emergency and security agencies,” the statement continued.
