By Bose Adelaja
CITIZENS COMPASS – What would have resulted in a major fire disaster has been averted by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) at Ijora Phase 3, Inwards Costain area of the State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, June 2, 2024, when a truck laden with gas leaked its contents in the area.
However, the swift action by the emergency responders was able to forestall the situation.
In his updates at about 4.30a.m on Sunday, LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the incident occurred at the wee hours of Sunday at about 0150hrs and the LASEMA Response Team arrived at the scene at about 0209hrs.
“The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA has deployed its Response Team at Onipanu Base to Ijora Phase 3 inward Costain regarding a truck accident.
“Consequent Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, a 5ton capacity mini gas tanker truck laden with 4.6tons of cooking gas was found leaking its contents which have enveloped the air in the vicinity.
“Further investigation revealed that the tanker was en route to its discharge station at Apapa road, Costain from the ports when it developed a mechanical fault due to valve breakage; thereby resulting in the leakage.
“Fortunately, no life was lost and no injuries were sustained to anyone as a result of the incident as both the driver and escort are unharmed.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure that the situation is stabilised to mitigate against a secondary incident before escorting the truck and its content to a safe discharge bay
“In addition, the Agency’s heavy-duty equipment is about to commence safe recovery of the truck off the road.
“Also, the workers and truckers in the area have been sensitised by the Agency’s Response Team on the grave risk the area is currently exposed to and have been evacuated from the area.
“Road traffic diversion measures have also been activated to minimise risk exposure.
“Responders include LASEMA, LASG FIRE, FRSC, and Nigeria Police.
“Recovery operations ongoing.
More updates to follow.”
In his final update at about 5.16a.m,, he said, “The accident mini gas tanker, registration number EPE-437XZ has been safely recovered from the scene of the incident with the aid of the Agency’s sophisticated heavy duty tow truck from the scene to a safe place.
“The gas contents which have changed their state from gas to foam and now to crystals, have been doused and dampened by the LASG FIRE crew on the ground to eliminate any possibility of ignition.
“Status: Recovery operation concluded.
“No more updates.
“LASEMA Response Team is heading back to base.”
