By: Ayo Agbeoluwaye
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in synergy with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has successfully thwarted a major fire outbreak on the Liverpool Bridge inward Mile 2, occasioned by a tanker-related incident.
Preliminary security findings indicate that an articulated Iveco tanker (RBC 98 XX), heavily laden with diesel lost vehicular control and toppled onto the bridge, resulting in significant structural impairment to the tanker and the uncontrolled discharge of large volumes of diesel across the carriageway.
LASTMA in a statement by it’s head of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Mr. Adebayo Taofiq noted with grave concern was the spillage of the highly combustible petroleum product from the elevated bridge to the area beneath an occurrence that regrettably drew the attention of some unscrupulous individuals who attempted to scoop the diesel, thereby compounding the volatility and danger inherent in the situation.
He explained that LASTMA Upon receipt of the emergency alert, immediately mobilised it’s personnel to the scene exhibiting remarkable professionalism, vigilance and composure.
The Agency’s personnel promptly dispersed the crowd engaged in the act of scooping diesel decisively cordoned off the affected area and swiftly activated established inter-agency emergency response mechanisms by notifying security operatives and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
This resolute and timely intervention effectively neutralised the imminent threat of combustion and prevented what could have escalated into a devastating inferno with dire human, environmental and infrastructural ramifications.
The driver of the distressed tanker, who sustained severe injuries in the course of the accident was rescued by LASTMA officials and conveyed to the General Hospital, Apapa, where he is currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.
To ensure maximum safety, orderliness and situational control at the scene, officers of the Nigeria Police Force from Area ‘B’ Police Division, Apapa provided security reinforcement, working in close collaboration with other emergency responders to maintain crowd control, regulate traffic flow.
The statement adds that an alternative empty tanker was promptly deployed to facilitate the transloading of the remaining diesel, while vehicular movement was tactically diverted by LASTMA to the opposite carriageway in the interest of public safety and to guarantee the seamless flow of traffic.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa praised the swift response, tactical efficiency and high-level coordination displayed by LASTMA personnel and other emergency responders, noting that their collective professionalism averted what could have culminated in another tragic fire disaster.
Hon. Giwa further admonished members of the public to consistently exhibit heightened safety consciousness, particularly by abstaining from the practice of scooping petroleum products during tanker accidents involving diesel or Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), stressing that such reckless conduct poses severe threats to lives, property and the environment.
Hezekiah Agbeoluwaye
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