Tragedy was averted in Lagos after a petrol tanker toppled near NIMASA’s Kirikiri facility.
Emergency teams contained the spill and diverted traffic to prevent fire or explosion.
A serious accident was narrowly avoided on Tuesday evening when a fuel-laden tanker toppled in front of the Nigerian Maritime Resources Development Centre, a facility under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in the Kirikiri area of Lagos.
The tanker, which was conveying petrol, reportedly fell while navigating the busy Kirikiri road, spilling its contents across the highway. The incident immediately drew the attention of emergency responders, who rushed to the scene to prevent a possible fire or explosion.
Officials from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Nigeria Police Force quickly cordoned off the area and diverted traffic to alternative routes. Movement within about 500 meters of the crash site was restricted as part of precautionary measures.
According to officials, firefighters successfully diluted the spilled fuel and safely transferred the remaining product into another truck to stop further leakage. Three fire trucks were stationed at the scene as part of the containment effort.
No fire outbreak, injuries, or property damage had been reported at the time of filing this report. However, the situation caused anxiety among residents and commuters, with many shop owners closing early and passersby moving to safer distances.
An eyewitness said people were frightened at first, fearing that an explosion might occur. “We just started seeing people running and shouting. Everyone was scared because of the smell of petrol in the air,” he said.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution and avoid parking fuel tankers or heavy-duty vehicles in densely populated areas.
This marks the third tanker-related incident in Lagos within a week. On Monday, Newskobo.com reported that a gas tanker overturned around the Chisco area, causing major traffic delays toward Victoria Island. Earlier, on October 27, a high-speed SUV had rammed into a petrol tanker near Berger Suya, inward Mile 2, narrowly avoiding another disaster.
