The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has explained that brake failure was responsible for the diesel tanker accident that occurred on the Apapa–Oshodi Expressway in Lagos on Monday.
The incident, which happened at the Liverpool Bridge near Tin Can Island in Apapa, prompted an emergency response from firefighters who successfully averted what could have turned into a large-scale disaster.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, the Controller General of the service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, confirmed that the tanker lost control due to brake failure and skidded off the bridge while in motion.
According to her, the agency received a distress call at about 8:05 a.m. regarding a salvage operation involving a Mack trailer tanker with registration number RBC 98 XK, carrying 45,000 litres of diesel.
“The tanker lost control while in motion, skidded off the bridge way and was left hanging precariously on the bridge rail,” Adeseye said.
She explained that the accident led to a partial spillage of diesel on the bridge, beneath the structure, and into a nearby drainage channel, raising fears of a possible fire outbreak and environmental hazard.
Firefighting teams from the Ajegunle and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations were immediately deployed to the scene and were able to secure the tanker, preventing it from falling off the bridge and avoiding further danger.
Adeseye noted that the remaining diesel was safely transloaded, while the area was cordoned off to stop fuel scoopers from interfering with emergency operations. After the decanting exercise, the tanker was evacuated and normal traffic flow restored on the busy expressway.
She commended the professionalism and swift response of the firefighters, stressing that their timely intervention prevented a potentially catastrophic incident.
The Controller General again urged motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to prioritise regular vehicle maintenance to reduce the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failure.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news.
