“LASTMA Prevents Fire Disaster Near Lagos Stadium Bridge”

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) successfully averted a potential fire disaster around the Stadium Bridge in the Ojuelegba area of Lagos State on Saturday, September 2. Here are the key details from the provided information:

1. Incident Description: A gas-laden truck with the registration number KRD 281 XL hit a newly erected barrier at Alaka, heading towards the Stadium Bridge. In its attempt to force its way under the barrier, the truck’s gas content spilled onto the main carriage by the Alaka inward Stadium bridge.
2. Response Actions: As soon as the incident occurred, LASTMA officials took swift action. They invited other emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire Service, and cordoned off the main carriageway at Alaka by the Stadium bridge to prevent any potential fire outbreak. The driver of the truck was arrested and handed over to the police from Area ‘C’ Divisional Police Station. Vehicular movement was diverted to the service lane from Alaka to continue their journey inward Ojuelegba.
3. Purpose of Newly Erected Barrier: The newly erected barrier at the Stadium bridge was designed to divert heavy trucks to the service lane from Alaka inward Stadium down to Ojuelegba. This measure was implemented to improve safety and traffic flow.
4. Previous Accidents in the Area: The Ojuelegba area has experienced several accidents involving heavy trucks. One notable incident occurred on January 29, 2023, when a container-laden truck fell off the Ojuelegba bridge onto a commercial bus, resulting in fatalities and injuries. As a result of these accidents, the Lagos State Government banned truck drivers from using certain bridges in the area and directed LASTMA to take action against erring drivers.
5. Formation of Task Force: On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, LASTMA announced the formation of a task force in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to address the recurring truck crashes on Ojuelegba Bridge and other road accidents in the state. The goal is to prevent further loss of lives and properties through these accidents.

In summary, LASTMA, in collaboration with other emergency responders and law enforcement agencies, acted swiftly to contain a potentially dangerous situation involving a gas-laden truck. The incident underscores the ongoing efforts to improve road safety in the Ojuelegba area, where heavy truck accidents have been a recurring problem.