4 hours ago
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A major tragedy was on Sunday averted in Lagos after a high-speed Lexus SUV collided with a fully loaded petrol tanker around Berger Suya, inward Mile 2, resulting in a chain of accidents that damaged several vehicles on display for sale.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, the quick intervention of emergency responders prevented what could have been a catastrophic explosion.
In a statement issued by LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the agency said preliminary reports showed that the Lexus SUV, with registration number LSR 606 XH, was travelling at high speed when it rammed into the tanker laden with Premium Motor Spirit, PMS.
“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,” Bakare-Oki stated.
He explained that LASTMA officials stationed in the area swiftly arrived at the scene, cordoned off the entire corridor, and restricted vehicular movement to safeguard lives and property. The agency also facilitated the safe transloading of the highly flammable fuel into another tanker.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which also responded promptly, flushed and neutralised the spilled fuel, effectively averting an explosion. Officers from the Trinity Police Division provided security backup during the transloading and evacuation exercises.
Bakare-Oki added that the driver of the Lexus SUV sustained injuries and was handed over to the police for further investigation, while the tanker driver fled the scene immediately after the crash.
He commended the seamless coordination between LASTMA, the fire service, and the police, describing the joint response as a “remarkable demonstration of professionalism, efficiency, and preparedness within Lagos State’s emergency management system.”
“The swift containment of the incident prevented what could have been a major disaster, given the volatile nature of the product involved,” he noted.
Bakare-Oki urged motorists to avoid reckless driving and adhere strictly to speed limits, warning that excessive speeding remains one of the leading causes of avoidable road accidents.
He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive traffic management, sustained public sensitisation, and prompt emergency response.
“The agency will continue to strengthen its 24-hour operational framework and enhance collaboration with other emergency and security agencies to ensure that road incidents across Lagos are swiftly and safely managed,” the statement added.
Tragedy averted as fully-loaded petrol tanker, Lexus SUV collide in Lagos
