Gas Leak on Lagos Road Prevented Major Disaster

The leaking gas tanker. Photo: LASEMA

A serious disaster was avoided in Lagos on Friday. Emergency responders managed to control a leaking Liquefied Petroleum Gas tanker at Owode Elede, heading towards Onirin, along Ikorodu Road. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

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

Olawale said the incident took place early in the morning. The agency’s Tiger Squad was called into action after they got reports about the gas leak.

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

Initial findings showed that the leak suddenly happened from the underside 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 mentioned that the agency worked with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority. They diverted traffic and secured the area to ensure safety.

Emergency responders started spraying water on the tanker and the surrounding area. This was to suppress gas vapour and lower the risk of fire while repairs were done to fix the leak.

“A certified repair technician is on site carrying out the necessary repairs to fully contain the leakage,” the statement added. Thankfully, no lives were lost and there were no injuries during the incident.

Olawale stated that emergency responders stayed at the scene to keep enforcing safety measures while repairs continued. He mentioned that recovery and clearance operations would begin as soon as the tanker was safe to move.

Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, urged drivers to work with traffic officials and avoid 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 heavy vehicle drivers to follow vehicle maintenance standards and safe driving rules to stop similar incidents on Lagos roads.

As of the time of this report, emergency responders were still at the scene.