A tanker loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) overturned on Friday along Ijako Road, inward Oke Oso, on the Ajah Expressway in Epe, Lagos State.
The incident occurred while the Mack tanker was ascending Ijako Hill. According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), a mechanical failure caused the vehicle’s propeller to detach from its joint, leaving the tanker unable to maintain momentum before it fell on its side.
LASEMA said it received a distress alert at about 11:32 a.m. and deployed its emergency response team from the Epe Base, which arrived at the scene approximately four minutes later.
One of the tanker’s compartments was reportedly leaking, prompting emergency responders to immediately begin containment operations to prevent a possible fire outbreak and environmental damage.
Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident.
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The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had already commenced containment efforts before LASEMA arrived, while other agencies, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and representatives of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, joined the operation.
LASEMA said traffic was being managed to protect motorists and prevent secondary accidents.
An empty tanker was also deployed to transfer the petroleum product from the overturned vehicle before recovery operations could begin.
The agency advised motorists to cooperate with traffic officials and avoid the immediate area while emergency operations continue.
Residents were also reminded to contact the emergency lines 112 or 767 in the event of an emergency.
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