LASTMA, Emergency Responders Rescue Two Burnt Victims After Diesel Tanker Explosion At Otedola Bridge
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
Two persons sustained severe burn injuries on Monday after a diesel-laden tanker plunged from Otedola Bridge and burst into flames beneath the bridge, prompting a swift multi-agency emergency response.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its emergency response team, working alongside other emergency and security agencies, quickly mobilised to the scene, rescued the victims from the raging inferno and ensured their immediate evacuation for medical treatment.
According to the agency, the victims, who suffered extensive burns, were rescued from the accident scene and transported by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Rescue Unit (LRU) to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, where they were admitted for urgent medical attention.
Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were also deployed to the scene and successfully battled the blaze to prevent it from spreading further, while efforts continued to safeguard nearby infrastructure and avert additional casualties.
Other agencies involved in the coordinated rescue and emergency operations included the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) and officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Alausa Police Division.
LASTMA described the successful rescue operation as a demonstration of the importance of effective inter-agency collaboration, rapid emergency mobilisation and coordinated response in managing major road traffic emergencies.
Commending all personnel involved in the operation, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the professionalism, dedication and prompt response of the emergency agencies, noting that their collective efforts were instrumental in rescuing the victims and containing the fire.
Bakare-Oki also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery, stressing the need for sustained collaboration among emergency responders to protect lives and minimise the impact of road traffic disasters.
He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to efficient traffic management, prompt incident response and effective coordination of emergency operations across Lagos State.
The agency further urged motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty and articulated vehicles, to conduct regular mechanical inspections, comply with established safety standards and adopt responsible driving practices to reduce the incidence of preventable road crashes and related disasters.
