There was panic in and around the Funsho Williams Avenue area of Surulere, Lagos State, on Tuesday after a tanker loaded with petrol rammed into a car and spilled its contents on the road.
Some residents later trooped out with kegs and buckets to scoop fuel, which flowed onto the road.
According to the Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Adeseye Margaret, the accident happened around 2pm on Tuesday.
A statement by her said, “Emergency responders are already on ground mitigating the situation while counting on public support to do away with combustible materials within the vicinity in averting a secondary incident.”
Also, the Director, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said further investigation revealed that the tanker, which was laden with 33,000 litres of fuel, fell while ascending the Costain Bridge.
He said the vehicle rolled back, hit a car, tumbled and spilled its contents.
Oke-Osanyintolu said, “The Lagos Rail Mass Transit, alongside the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Nigeria Police Force, Lagos Fire and Federal Fire are joint responders on ground to calm the situation.
“The firefighters are blanketing the spilled contents while adequate safety measures have been put in place to avoid ignition of fire and transloading of the product to another tanker is ongoing.
“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and refrain from scooping of product. Residents should avoid lighting any naked flame until the situation has been fully contained.”
