Pius Nsabe
A major disaster was narrowly averted on Sunday after a petroleum tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, overturned and exploded at Iyana-Isolo, inward Oshodi, Lagos State.
The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, caused panic among residents, motorists, and traders as thick plumes of smoke billowed into the air. Eyewitnesses said the tanker skidded off balance, toppled, and immediately went up in flames.
Emergency responders, including officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, and LASEMA, swiftly mobilised to the scene. Their prompt intervention prevented the fire from spreading to nearby buildings, vehicles, and fuel stations, which could have triggered an even greater tragedy.
According to the Lagos Fire Service, no lives were lost in the explosion, though several vehicles were damaged. Traffic in the area was brought to a standstill as security operatives cordoned off the scene and diverted motorists to alternative routes.
Officials confirmed that firefighting operations lasted for hours before the inferno was finally subdued. Residents and commuters have been advised to remain cautious, while an investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced.
The Journal Correspondent who arrived at the scene at the twilight of the incident reports that a container-laden truck affected by the fire was burnt down completely.
When The Journal Nigeria arrived at the scene around 4:30 p.m., firefighters were still battling flames along the road median, where the spilled fuel had flowed and ignited
The Lagos State Government praised the swift response of emergency teams, stressing that without their timely intervention, the situation could have escalated into a catastrophe.