The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) responded swiftly to two separate truck-related incidents in different parts of Lagos on October 7, 2026. The incidents involved an articulated truck and an oil tanker, which caused traffic obstructions in separate areas. LASEMA's quick response prevented possible loss of lives and restored free flow of traffic along the affected corridors. The agency received distress calls and immediately dispatched response teams to the scenes. The response teams secured the scenes and activated traffic management measures to prevent secondary accidents.
The first incident occurred at about 9:15 a.m. at Iyana-Oworo inward Anthony. LASEMA's Tiger Team at C3 received a distress call over an articulated truck obstructing traffic. On arrival, responders found a white articulated truck conveying a 40-foot container loaded with several large cylindrical metal tanks. The truck, with container identification number ITLU-900140-4261, had suffered a rear tyre burst while in motion, obstructing traffic inward Gbagada. The response team immediately secured the scene and activated traffic management measures.
A technician was mobilised to the scene and replaced the burst tyre, enabling the truck to be driven off the carriageway. The affected section was subsequently cleared and reopened to traffic. Fortunately, no death or injury was recorded in the incident. LASEMA's swift response prevented a possible loss of life and ensured the free flow of traffic in the area. The incident highlighted the importance of emergency responders in maintaining traffic flow and preventing accidents.
In a separate incident at about 11:30 a.m., LASEMA's Beta Team at Igando responded to a lone tanker accident at Ahmadiyya inward Meiran along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. The team discovered an empty oil tanker with an unknown registration number which had exploded while welding repairs were being carried out on the vehicle along the expressway. The explosion affected two tricycles that had been moved away from the scene before the arrival of emergency responders.
However, no life was lost and no injury was recorded in the second incident. The recovery operation involved a multi-agency response comprising LASEMA, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) and the Nigeria Police Force, Ojokoro Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer. The agencies maintained traffic control throughout the operation to ensure the safety of motorists and minimise disruption to traffic.
For complete clearance of the expressway, a private tow truck equipped with Hiab support was deployed. The affected tanker was cut into sections and towed away from the highway, while the remaining carcass was moved to a lay-by. LASEMA said the operation restored the affected corridor, with traffic now flowing freely. The incidents demonstrated the importance of inter-agency collaboration in responding to emergencies.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, reaffirmed the agency's readiness to respond promptly to emergencies and protect lives and property across the state. He also urged motorists, particularly operators of articulated vehicles, to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and avoid carrying out major repairs on highways. Motorists were advised to patronise approved mechanic workshops to prevent avoidable accidents and protect other road users.
Key points
- LASEMA responded to two separate truck-related incidents in Lagos, preventing loss of lives and restoring traffic flow.
- The incidents involved an articulated truck and an oil tanker, which caused traffic obstructions in separate areas.
- LASEMA's swift response and inter-agency collaboration ensured the free flow of traffic and prevented possible loss of lives.
