Two severely burnt as diesel tanker plunges from Otedola bridge in Lagos
Two Seriously Injured in Lagos Tanker Accident
LAGOS — Two individuals suffered severe burn injuries after a tanker loaded with diesel fell from Otedola Bridge and ignited a fire beneath the structure on Tuesday.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reported that its emergency response team swiftly mobilized to the scene, collaborating with various emergency management agencies to rescue the victims and facilitate their urgent medical evacuation.
The incident occurred when the tanker plummeted from the bridge, resulting in a fire that engulfed the underpass. LASTMA officials indicated that the victims required immediate medical attention due to extensive burn injuries sustained in the blaze.
Following their rescue, the victims were transported by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s Rescue Unit (LRU) to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for treatment.
“The conflagration necessitated immediate action to extricate the victims from the danger zone and provide urgent medical aid,” LASTMA stated in a release.
In addition to LASTMA, teams from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were deployed to combat the fire and control its spread, aiming to prevent further casualties and damage to nearby infrastructure. Other agencies involved in the response included the LRU, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, and police officers from the Alausa Police Division.
LASTMA emphasized the critical importance of collaboration among emergency and security agencies in addressing dangerous incidents effectively. The authority noted that quick mobilization and coordinated efforts were vital in averting a more catastrophic outcome.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, commended the responding agencies for their promptness and professionalism in handling the situation. He expressed gratitude for their teamwork, which enabled the successful rescue and evacuation of the injured victims, while also supporting fire containment efforts.
Bakare-Oki offered wishes for a swift recovery for the victims, highlighting the need for rapid emergency response and cooperative action among agencies in the face of road-related emergencies.
LASTMA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing traffic regulations, improving traffic management, and coordinating emergency operations throughout Lagos State. The agency encouraged motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to conduct regular mechanical inspections and adhere to safety standards to minimize the risk of road accidents.
