“No Casualty” — LASEMA Swiftly Contains 45,000-Litre Petrol Tanker Overturn in Epe

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has contained a tanker accident involving a truck conveying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit on Ijako Road, inward Oke Oso, along the Ajah Expressway in Epe.

The incident occurred on Friday after a Mack tanker overturned while ascending Ijako Hill following a mechanical failure, with no fatalities or injuries recorded.

Swift Response to a Potential Disaster

ValidViewNetwork gathered that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has contained a tanker accident involving a truck conveying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on Ijako Road, inward Oke Oso, along the Ajah Expressway in Epe.

The incident occurred on Friday, September 4, 2026, after a Mack tanker reportedly overturned while ascending Ijako Hill following a mechanical failure.In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency said it received a distress alert at 11:32 am and immediately activated its Whales Team from the Epe Base, which arrived at the scene four minutes after dispatch.

Mechanical Failure and Leak

Preliminary investigation showed that the tanker’s propeller detached from its joint, causing the vehicle to lose momentum and fall on its side.

One of the tanker’s compartments was leaking, prompting responders to immediately commence safety and containment measures.

“There were no reported fatalities or injuries. Prior to LASEMA’s arrival, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Oke Oso Station, had commenced containment measures to prevent fire outbreak and environmental hazard,” the statement read.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

The emergency operation was coordinated under the Incident Command System, with personnel from LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and representatives of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers at the scene.

“The operation is being coordinated under the Incident Command System with full multi-agency collaboration,” the agency said.

“Traffic has been effectively managed to ensure safety of motorists while preventing secondary incidents,” it added.

Transloading and Recovery

An empty tanker was mobilised to safely transfer the petroleum product from the fallen truck before recovery operations could begin.

“An empty tanker has been mobilized for the safe transloading of the product, after which recovery of the fallen truck will commence,” LASEMA said.

Oke-Osanyintolu commended the swift inter-agency response and the professionalism displayed by the emergency responders.

He reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to protecting lives and property through proactive disaster risk reduction.

The permanent secretary advised motorists to cooperate with traffic officials and avoid the immediate area to allow emergency operations to continue unhindered.

A Lesson for Nigerian Youths

This incident is a reminder that disaster can strike at any moment, but swift and coordinated response can save lives.

The same politicians who neglect emergency services will never allow their own children to be victims of preventable disasters. Their children are protected.

For young Nigerians, the lesson is clear: emergency preparedness saves lives.

ADVERTISEMENT

The quick response of LASEMA and other agencies prevented what could have been a catastrophic explosion.

The same politicians who cut funding for emergency services will never allow their own children to suffer the consequences.

Support emergency services. Demand better disaster preparedness. And never forget that a minute can mean the difference between life and death.