Driver of Diesel Tanker That Overturned in Lagos Won’t Go Unpunished – LASTMA

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a stern warning that the driver of a diesel tanker which overturned on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in the early hours of Wednesday morning will face the full wrath of the law, stating that he “won’t go unpunished” for endangering the lives of commuters.

The incident, which occurred around 5:30 a.m. near the Cele Bus Stop, caused a massive spillage of diesel across the highway, leading to hours of gridlock and creating a high-risk environment for a potential fire disaster. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the tanker did not explode, a scenario officials described as a “narrow escape.”

According to eyewitnesses, the fully loaded tanker was travelling at high speed when it suddenly lost control, swerved violently, and toppled over, spilling thousands of litres of its contents onto the road. The pungent smell of diesel filled the air as a river of the flammable liquid flowed towards the drainage systems, prompting panic among early morning motorists and residents.

Emergency response teams, including officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, and the Nigeria Police Force, were quickly deployed to the scene. They worked for several hours to cordon off the area, manage the spillage with sand and foam, and prevent any ignition sources from coming near the site.

In an official statement, the Public Affairs Officer of LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the driver.

“Our officers were on the scene promptly to manage the traffic and prevent a secondary incident,” Taofiq said. “The driver of the tanker has been apprehended and is currently in our custody. Preliminary investigations indicate a clear case of reckless driving and excessive speeding, which are direct violations of the state’s traffic laws.”

He reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for such negligence.

“Let this serve as a strong warning to all tanker and trailer drivers. The driver of this vehicle will not go unpunished. He will be handed over to the police for thorough investigation and prosecution. We cannot continue to tolerate actions that put the lives of millions of Lagosians at risk. One moment of recklessness could have led to a catastrophic loss of life and property.”

The incident caused a domino effect of traffic congestion, stretching for miles along the expressway and connecting routes, leaving many commuters stranded for hours. LASEMA officials worked to clear the wreckage and transfer the remaining diesel to another tanker before towing the vehicle away.

This latest accident once again highlights the recurring dangers posed by articulated tankers on Lagos roads. LASTMA has repeatedly called on tanker owners and operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and that their drivers are adequately trained and adhere to speed limits.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, cleanup operations were concluded, and traffic flow was gradually being restored along the affected section of the expressway. The driver is expected to be formally charged in court in the coming days.