No casualties as 33,000-litre ethanol tanker falls in Lagos

What would have been a major disaster was averted on Wednesday after a truck conveying 33,000 litres of ethanol fell at the Second Rainbow Bridge in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State.

Had the tanker exploded, it would have created a huge humanitarian crisis in the highly-populated area.

Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said no casualties were recorded in the incident.

According to him in a statement, the tanker, a FOTON truck with registration number APP 346 YC, fell while its driver was attempting to negotiate a turn on the bridge.

Oke-Osanyintolu stated that preliminary investigation attributed the incident to speeding, which caused the truck’s turntable to detach and fall on the roundabout, blocking the entire stretch.

He stated: “Recognising the highly volatile nature of ethanol and the imminent risk of fire and explosion, the Eagle Response Team, in collaboration with other responders, immediately cordoned off the area and activated crowd and traffic control measures.”

He added that 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 prevent a secondary incident.

He noted that officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority assisted in securing the scene and managing traffic.

Oke-Osanyintolu added: “Through coordinated and tactical efforts, a major disaster was averted, and no loss of life or casualty was recorded.”