Disaster averted as 33,000-litre ethanol tanker falls in Lagos

A major disaster was averted after a truck conveying 33,000 litres of ethanol fell at the Second Rainbow Bridge in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency disclosed this in a statement released by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, on Wednesday, adding that no casualties were recorded in the incident. According to the PS, the tanker, a FOTON truck with registration number APP 346 YC, fell while its driver was attempting to negotiate a turn on the bridge. Oke-Osanyintolu stated that preliminary investigation attributed the incident to speeding, which caused the truck’s turntable to detach and fall on the roundabout, blocking the entire stretch. He stated, “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 added that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service applied chemical foam to the tanker and the surrounding area to suppress fumes and prevent a secondary incident. He noted that officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority assisted in securing the scene and managing traffic. Oke-Osanyintolu stated, “Through coordinated and tactical efforts, a major disaster was averted, and no loss of life or casualty was recorded.”