Gas Leak in Lagos Avoided Thanks to Quick Action

The leaking gas tanker. Photo: LASEMA

A big disaster was stopped in Lagos on Friday. Emergency responders quickly managed a leaking Liquefied Petroleum Gas tanker at Owode Elede, heading towards Onirin, along Ikorodu Road. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the incident.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency shared this news in a statement from its Head of Public Affairs, Afolabi Olawale.

Olawale said the leak happened early in the morning.

He mentioned that the agency’s Tiger Squad was called in after they received reports about the gas leak.

When they arrived, they found an LPG tanker with the registration number MUS-289YH. It was carrying about five tonnes of gas, leaking onto the road.

Olawale explained that the leak suddenly appeared from the bottom of the moving tanker.

“The driver acted promptly by bringing the vehicle to a safe stop, thereby preventing a possible fire outbreak or explosion,” the statement said.

The spokesperson added that the agency worked together with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority. They diverted traffic and secured the area.

Emergency responders then started spraying water on the tanker and its surroundings. This was to control the gas vapour, lower the risk of fire, and keep a safe area while repairs were done.

“A certified repair technician is on site carrying out the necessary repairs to fully contain the leakage,” the statement noted.

Olawale confirmed that no lives were lost and there were no injuries during the leak.

He said that emergency responders stayed at the scene to keep safety measures in place while repair works were ongoing. Recovery and clearance operations would start as soon as the tanker was declared safe for movement.

Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, urged drivers to cooperate with traffic management officials. He warned against actions that could ignite the leaked gas.

He said, “Motorists should cooperate with traffic management personnel deployed to the axis and avoid open flames, smoking, or any source of ignition in the immediate vicinity.”

He also advised tanker and large vehicle operators to follow vehicle maintenance standards and safe driving practices. This would help prevent similar problems on Lagos roads.

As this report was being written, emergency responders were still at the scene of the leak.

This incident adds to a number of emergencies that have happened in Lagos lately.