Vehicular movement along the Oshodi-Oworonshoki expressway was halted yesterday for hours when a fully loaded gas tanker overturned in the Anthony Oke area, blocking the main road and causing significant gridlock.

The Guardian learnt that at about 9:30 a.m., the Sino truck, marked T-18209LA and laden with 34,000kg of gas, fell and blocked about 85 per cent of the road.

Further investigations revealed that the truck reportedly suffered a brake failure, which caused it to lose control and fall on its side, shutting down a significant portion of the road.

Although no casualty was recorded, the driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital before the Eagle Response Team arrived at the incident scene.

The incident also resulted in severe traffic on the busy road, which extended to the Alapere area of Ketu along the Oworonsoki-Berger expressway.

Confirming the development, Nosa Okunbor, head of the Public Affairs Unit at the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), said in a statement that the Agency activated its Eagle Response Team from Cappa Base at about 9:53 a.m. in response to distress calls through its toll-free emergency lines.

“Primary responders at the incident scene collaborated to ensure quick recovery of the fallen gas tanker and restore normalcy to the road. LASEMA Response Team (LRU), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA ) and the police were in attendance during the operation,” he said.

Also, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said LASTMA personnel who promptly arrived at the scene cordoned off the affected area to ensure the safety of road users and nearby residents.

He said the Lagos State Fire Service, LRU, and other emergency responders were mobilised to the site to implement safety measures and mitigate potential hazards.

He stressed that their quick and coordinated response was crucial in containing the situation and preventing further complications.

Bakare-Oki said: “LASTMA personnel, with the support of LRU, have successfully evacuated the tanker and its loaded gas cylinder from the road, restoring vehicular movement towards Gbagada, Iyana-Oworo, Car Wash, Ifako, and Toll Gate.

“The safety of our citizens remains our top priority, and we are grateful for the cooperation of everyone involved.”