LASEMA Warns Public As Diesel Tanker Spills Fuel On Liverpool Bridge
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that a fallen tanker was leaking fuel, prompting the immediate deployment of emergency responders to the scene. In an urgent situation report issued on Monday and signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency said it had received reports of the incident and activated its response teams. “Our attention has been brought to a fallen tanker at the above location, which is leaking fuel. All emergency responders have been activated and are en route to the location,” the statement said. LASEMA warned members of the public to stay away from the area, cautioning against risky behaviour that could lead to further incidents. “Members of the public are urged to exercise EXTREME CAUTION to avoid any secondary incident from scooping product or lighting any flame near the area,” the agency warned. Motorists were also advised to steer clear of the affected route. “Motorists are advised to take alternative routes. Disaster management plan has been activated. Updates to follow,” the statement added. Despite the warnings, videos circulating on social media showed residents scooping diesel from the fallen tanker, exposing themselves to serious danger. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority also confirmed the incident, stating that the tanker was loaded with diesel and that the spill was spreading on the bridge due to damage to the tank. “There’s a fallen tanker loaded with diesel on top Liverpool Bridge inward Mile 2. The diesel is spreading on the bridge as a result of the damaged tank,” LASTMA said in a statement shared on its official X handle. LASTMA added that security agencies had been alerted and traffic diverted to minimise risk to commuters. Authorities have continued to warn that scooping fuel from accident scenes poses serious dangers, including fire outbreaks and potential loss of lives, as emergency teams work to contain the situation at the bridge.
