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A truck conveying 33,000 litres of ethanol fell off the Second Rainbow Bridge in the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State on Wednesday, prompting an emergency response over the risk of fire and explosion.
The incident occurred at about 11 a.m. and involved a FOTON truck with registration number APP 346 YC. No casualty was recorded, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said preliminary investigations indicated that the accident occurred while the driver was negotiating a turn on the bridge.
He attributed the incident to speeding, which reportedly caused the truck’s turntable to detach and fall onto the roundabout, obstructing the entire stretch.
Given the volatile nature of ethanol, emergency responders were deployed to secure the scene and minimise the risk of a secondary incident.
Emergency Teams Contain Risk
Oke-Osanyintolu said the Eagle Response Team, working with other emergency agencies, immediately cordoned off the affected area and introduced crowd and traffic control measures.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service applied chemical foam to the truck and its surroundings to suppress fumes and reduce the risk of fire.
Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority also secured the scene and managed traffic around the affected area.
“Through coordinated and tactical efforts, a major disaster was averted, and no loss of life or casualty was recorded,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
The incident has highlighted the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials on busy roads, particularly when heavy-duty vehicles are involved in accidents near populated areas.
Cement Truck Disrupts Traffic In Agege
In a separate incident, LASEMA said its Tiger Response Team from C3 restored traffic movement at Oke Koto in Agege after a Dangote cement truck climbed a road divider and became stuck.
Oke-Osanyintolu attributed the incident to reckless driving, explaining that the stranded vehicle obstructed traffic and required intervention from emergency responders and LASTMA officials.
The agency deployed its heavy-duty recovery equipment, known as Super Metro, to remove the truck.
The vehicle was subsequently towed to the LASTMA yard for further action, while normal traffic movement was restored.
No death or injury was recorded in the incident.
LASEMA Warns Against Reckless Driving
Oke-Osanyintolu commended emergency responders for their swift intervention in both incidents, noting that their coordinated efforts helped prevent further danger and restore traffic flow.
He urged motorists to obey speed limits and traffic regulations, particularly when transporting heavy loads and hazardous materials.
The LASEMA chief also encouraged residents to report emergencies through the agency’s toll-free numbers, 767 and 112.
The incidents occurred a day after emergency responders rescued two men from a fire at an eight-room bungalow on Onitire Road in Itire, Lagos.
During that incident, a 42-year-old man sustained burns while attempting to rescue a 75-year-old wheelchair user.
The incidents underscore the importance of road safety, emergency preparedness and prompt intervention in preventing further harm.
