The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has successfully averted a potential fire disaster on the Lekki–Epe Expressway following the overturning of a petrol tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit. The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday around 2:00 a.m., specifically in the inward lane of the expressway, where the fully loaded tanker lost balance and tipped over. Given the volatile nature of its contents, there was an imminent threat to human safety, public and private property, and the environment.

Upon receiving a distress alert regarding the overturned tanker, LASTMA promptly dispatched its Rescue and Recovery Unit to the scene. The agency is well-versed in dealing with traffic incidents involving hazardous materials and took swift action to mitigate the situation. The operatives at the scene worked rapidly to secure the area and ensure that no fire broke out, which could have led to significant casualties and further damage to both the environment and infrastructure.

The intervention by LASTMA underscores the critical role of traffic management authorities in urban areas, especially in places like Lagos with heavy traffic and the frequent transport of hazardous materials. Their rapid response not only prevented a catastrophic incident but also highlights the ongoing challenges posed by road safety and environmental protection in densely populated regions.