Tragedy averted on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as oil tanker falls, spills contents

Rescue team, yesterday,  averted what could have been another tragedy when a fully loaded fuel tanker fell on the Berger axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, spilling its contents and causing serious traffic jam for several hours.

It will be recalled that last weekend there was a multiple accident caused by  an oil tanker along the same Lagos-Ibadan Expressway around Shagamu interchange inwhich at least 12 persons  reportedly died and several vehicles burnt.

Eyewitnesses  said the tanker was about negotiating the hilly bend between Michael Otedola Estate and Capital Oil Filling Station  when it veered off its track and fell on its side spilling its  contents on the road. The incident forced  motorists to make a U-turn  for fear of  outbreak of fire.

Traffic officials swiftly moved to contain the gridlock that ensued diverting vehicles from the path where the fuel was flowing even as motorists got stuck in traffic.

Confirming the incident, Lagos State commissioner for transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa, said the tanker upturned while trying to reverse at the hilly bend of Michael Otedola Estate Area, saying traffic officials were able to control the situation.

Also commenting, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said  immediately the accident occurred, the scene was condoned off to enable its men manage the scene.