The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) yesterday intervened in a tanker accident that occurred at Iyana-Isolo inward Oshodi, Lagos, preventing what could have been a major tragedy.

A tanker conveying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) overturned while in transit and burst into flames, which spread to at least four trucks parked nearby. Initial investigations indicated that the crash was caused by excessive speed, which led the driver to lose control.

In a statement, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, said the agency’s operatives, under the direct supervision of its operational command, swiftly mobilised allied responders. These included the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, police officers from Aswani, Ilasa and Mushin divisions, and the Neighbourhood Safety Corps. Together, they contained the fire and prevented it from escalating.

General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed that additional operatives were deployed from nearby areas to reinforce the operation. He expressed relief that no lives were lost, attributing it to the prompt closure of the affected corridor and restriction of vehicular movement from Ilasa inward Oshodi.

Bakare-Oki cautioned operators of heavy-duty vehicles against excessive speeding and urged strict adherence to speed limits displayed on Lagos State road signs.

He stressed that compliance was vital for saving lives, protecting property and ensuring collective safety.

He also encouraged residents to use LASTMA’s toll-free hotline to report traffic incidents, assuring the public that the agency remained committed to rapid intervention, safety and sustainable traffic management in Lagos State.