Lagos State emergency authorities averted a potentially catastrophic fire in the early hours of Sunday following the overturn of a fully loaded Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker along the inward-bound lane of the Lekki–Epe Expressway at Awoyaya.
The tanker, reportedly carrying tens of thousands of litres of PMS, lost control at approximately 2:00 a.m., causing it to overturn in a high-traffic area. Given the flammable nature of the cargo, the incident posed a serious threat to motorists, nearby properties, and the surrounding environment.
Officials said LASTMA’s Rescue and Recovery Unit was quickly deployed to the scene. Operatives immediately cordoned off the area, implemented traffic diversion measures, and prevented fuel scavengers from approaching the tanker. Their swift response was credited with preventing what could have escalated into a severe fire disaster.
“The tanker was fully loaded and the risk of ignition was extremely high,” a LASTMA spokesperson said. “Our team acted decisively to secure the area and manage the flow of vehicles, ensuring that no lives were endangered.”
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded promptly, setting up fire prevention measures, maintaining round-the-clock surveillance, and closely monitoring the tanker for any signs of leakage or combustion. No casualties were reported.
To prevent further risk, the fuel was carefully transloaded into an empty 33,000-litre tanker under strict supervision by emergency personnel.
Traffic was temporarily halted on the affected stretch but was gradually restored once safety measures were fully in place.
Authorities have urged tanker operators and drivers of heavy vehicles to maintain their vehicles meticulously, adhere to speed limits, and exercise extreme caution during night-time operations, particularly on busy highways.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, commended LASTMA and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service for their quick, coordinated, and professional response, which prevented a serious disaster and safeguarded lives and property.
Lagos: Midnight tanker crash on Lekki–Epe expressway- Fire disaster narrowly averted