The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has activated a full-scale emergency response following a lone accident involving a 10-tonne gas truck on Eko Bridge outward Apongbon on Wednesday.
According to officials, LASEMA’s response team confirmed that a fully loaded gas truck, with registration number LSR 716 XD and carrying 10,090kg of cooking gas, overturned after its front tyre burst while in motion.
The impact caused the vehicle to lose control, crash into the road median, and topple on the bridge.
The incident resulted in continuous gas leakage, raising concerns over a potential explosion, while also damaging a solar-powered streetlight installed on the bridge.
In line with Governor Babajide Olushola Authorities immediately launched a coordinated multi-agency response to contain the situation and avert further danger.
Emergency teams at the scene include the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.
Authorities have cordoned off the area and diverted traffic to ensure the safety of commuters and residents. Firefighters are actively blanketing the scene to minimise the risk of ignition, while technical teams work to contain the gas leak and facilitate the safe evacuation of the overturned truck.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, stressed that safeguarding lives and property remains the government’s top priority.
“The swift mobilisation of all relevant agencies reflects this administration’s zero tolerance for preventable disasters. We are working to ensure the truck is safely recovered and the bridge reopened with minimal risk. We appeal to Lagosians to avoid the area, cooperate with officials, and refrain from lighting any naked flame near the scene,” he said.
He further noted that routine safety audits of haulage vehicles remain central to the state’s THEMES Plus Agenda, urging tanker operators to strictly comply with roadworthiness standards and speed regulations.
Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes as recovery operations continue.
The Lagos State Government expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and assured residents that all necessary measures are being taken to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
Residents are also encouraged to report emergencies via the state’s toll-free line, 767.
