A gas tanker conveying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders overturned on Monday along the main carriageway at Chisco, near Victoria Island, in Lagos.

Eyewitnesses said the incident was followed by a loud bang and hissing sound as gas began leaking from the tanker, sending residents and passersby fleeing for safety.

“I was on my way to work when the truck crashed,” one eyewitness recounted. “I immediately ran away from the scene. It was chaotic.”

Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, and the Police, swiftly arrived at the scene to contain the situation.

The area was immediately cordoned off as officials diverted traffic and worked to prevent any ignition sources from triggering an explosion.

Although no casualties were reported as of the time of filing this report, the incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of residents in the area.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the incident, saying that the ‘near fire disaster’ was averted by the timely arrival of emergency workers to the scene.

He explained that the crash involved a gas-laden Howo tanker truck which overturned after the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle on the busy expressway.

“Given the highly volatile nature of the product, the situation posed an immediate and severe threat to human life and property, necessitating urgent technical intervention.

“Upon arriving at the scene, LASTMA personnel swiftly cordoned off the affected area, securing both the overturned vehicle and the CNG tanks to prevent any leakage or ignition that could have triggered an explosive conflagration.

“Recognizing the magnitude of the potential danger, the LASTMA Rescue and Emergency Unit immediately activated a multi-agency emergency protocol, summoning key responders such as the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Through this rapid, inter-agency collaboration, the imminent threat was expertly contained, and normalcy was swiftly restored,” he added.

The LASTMA Boss, who was physically present at the scene, commended the professionalism and composure of his officers and partner agencies.

He further stated that the gas tanker was recovered using heavy-duty cranes and other specialised equipment mobilised to the site.

According to him, “Our officers displayed remarkable precision, professionalism, and courage in managing the situation. Their immediate action in securing the environment prevented what could have been an unspeakable tragedy. We ensured that the recovery process was conducted under the highest safety protocols to eliminate any residual risk.” (Daily Trust)