The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service disclosed on Monday evening that brake failure caused a tanker crash on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos.

The firefighters had averted a major disaster following a tanker accident on the Apapa–Oshodi Expressway at Liverpool Bridge, Tin Can Island.

In a statement on Monday, the comptroller general of the agency, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed that the tanker had lost control and skidded off the bridge.

According to her, the agency received a distress call at about 8:05 a.m. concerning a salvage operation involving a Mack trailer tanker with registration number RBC 98 XK, fully laden with 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.

“The incident also resulted in a partial spillage of diesel on the bridge, underneath the structure, and into an adjoining drainage channel, raising concerns about a possible fire outbreak or environmental hazard.

“Firefighting crews from the Ajegunle and Sari Iganmu fire stations were immediately deployed to the scene,” she said.

Ms Adeseye said that upon arrival, responders successfully secured the tanker, preventing it from falling and averting any secondary incident.

“The situation was swiftly brought under control, with all imminent danger completely averted. As part of the emergency response, the remaining diesel in the tanker was safely transloaded, while the area was secured to prevent interference by fuel scoopers,” she said.

Ms Adeseye said that after the successful completion of the decanting exercise, the tanker was evacuated from the scene.

She said that normal traffic flow had since been restored on the busy expressway.

Ms Adeseye commended the firefighters’ prompt response and professionalism, noting that their swift action prevented what could have escalated into a major disaster.

She reiterated the agency’s call on motorists, particularly heavy-duty vehicle operators, to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles to prevent avoidable accidents.

(NAN)