Disaster Averted as 33,000-Litre Ethanol Tanker Falls on Lagos Bridge

A major disaster was averted in Lagos State on Wednesday after a tanker conveying 33,000 litres of highly flammable ethanol fell while negotiating a turn at the Second Rainbow Bridge in the Amuwo Odofin area.

The incident, which could have triggered a devastating fire or explosion, prompted an emergency response involving the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), fire service personnel, the police and traffic management officials.

LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, confirming that no casualties were recorded.

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

Preliminary investigations attributed the incident to speeding, which reportedly caused the truck’s turntable to detach and fall onto the roundabout, obstructing the entire stretch of the road.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the emergency response team immediately secured the area after recognising the risks associated with the highly volatile substance.

“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 said.

He explained that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service applied chemical foam to the tanker and 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 scene and controlling traffic around the affected location.

The LASEMA chief said the coordinated intervention prevented a potentially catastrophic incident, with no loss of life or injuries recorded.

In a separate incident, a Dangote cement truck climbed a road divider and became stuck at Oke Koto in the Agege area of Lagos, disrupting vehicular movement.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the agency’s Tiger Response Team from C3 was deployed alongside LASTMA officials to restore traffic movement.

The incident was attributed to reckless driving, while LASEMA deployed its heavy-duty recovery equipment, known as Super Metro, to remove the stranded truck.

The vehicle was subsequently towed to the LASTMA yard for further action, and the affected road was reopened to traffic.

No deaths or injuries were recorded in the incident.

The permanent secretary commended emergency responders for their swift intervention in both incidents and urged motorists to observe speed limits and comply with traffic regulations.

He particularly cautioned drivers transporting heavy-duty and hazardous materials to exercise extra care, stressing the importance of responsible driving in preventing avoidable accidents and protecting lives.

Residents were also encouraged to report emergencies through LASEMA’s toll-free numbers, 767 and 112.