In a harrowing incident on Thursday evening, a fuel tanker disaster was narrowly averted in Lagos, Nigeria. The event unfolded as a fuel tanker, ascending Sifax inwards Costain Bridge, rolled back onto another tanker, causing a massive explosion that sent shockwaves through the area.
Heroic Escape Amid Chaos
Hajia Suna Saliu, a local vendor selling herbal products, had a heart-stopping experience as she was mere steps away from the explosion. With her daughter strapped to her back, she had left her kiosk to get some change for a customer when the incident occurred. Suna recounted her terrifying ordeal: “I thought I had even died. I was scared. All I remember is that I ran as fast as my legs could carry me under the bridge to take cover. The heat from the flames could be felt even as I was there, and my child was crying badly. I wanted to run farther, but then I remembered my goods and decided to return. It was a very confusing situation. I lost everything, but I thank Almighty Allah for my life.”
Several cars behind the fuel tankers were consumed by the ensuing fire, and motorists and passengers fled in panic. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) promptly activated its emergency response plan to contain the flames and prevent further incidents, reassuring Lagosians to remain calm.
Rapid Response Amid Danger
The Lagos State Fire Rescue Service and Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) were quick to respond. They reported on social media about the firefighting efforts at the scene, with multiple fire crews joining forces to battle the blaze near the Lagos Quadrapont Bridge, close to the National Arts Theater in Iganmu.
Our correspondent, who visited the scene, noted that smoke and pockets of small fires still lingered. The incident occurred opposite Fashola Estate, Palex Bus Stop, near the Iganmu Bridge in Ijora.
Survivors Share Their Experiences
Eyewitnesses and survivors spoke of their heart-pounding ordeals. Chinendu Ogu, a vendor selling cooked cassava flakes, said she witnessed the fire for over four hours. She recounted the terrifying situation: “I was here when it started. Everyone ran away. How can we combat that kind of fire? If you were here, you would not have been able to withstand it. The sound (of the explosion) alone would make you think your heart had fallen into your stomach.”
Kingsley Onu, a commercial bus driver, narrowly avoided being caught in the middle of the inferno. He described his escape: “I was right behind the truck. It was a miracle how I escaped. Immediately I heard the explosion and saw fire, I turned my car around and started moving in the opposite direction.”
Stolen Cars Amid Chaos
The chaos also led to car thefts. Some opportunistic individuals took advantage of the pandemonium to hijack vehicles. Several cars were reported stolen during the incident, with victims sharing their stories on social media.
Government Responds and Offers Caution
The Lagos State Government issued a statement, warning against the spread of fake news and panic. They emphasized that no lives were lost in the incident. The tragic chain of events was triggered by a tanker trying to climb a bridge, a situation worsened by bad road conditions. The incident consumed numerous vehicles, including two tankers, a tipper truck, three trailers, three cars, and two minibuses, among others. Thankfully, no injuries or casualties were recorded.
Calls for Road Maintenance
Local residents are now appealing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to address the poor road conditions in the area, which were a contributing factor to the incident. They implore the government to fix the road and ensure the safety of the residents and motorists who rely on it daily.
A disaster management expert based in the United Kingdom has called for improved road infrastructure and the establishment of an emergency station in the area to mitigate future disasters. The expert stressed the urgent need to decongest the area and ensure that no residential structures are present in such high-risk zones.
As Lagos grapples with the aftermath of this close call, it remains imperative for authorities to address both immediate concerns and long-term infrastructure issues to prevent similar incidents in the future.