The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has declared that the driver responsible for a diesel tanker overturning on a major Lagos bridge will face legal consequences. The incident caused significant disruption and saw dangerous scenes as residents attempted to scoop fuel from the wreckage.
Details of the Apapa Bridge Accident
The accident occurred on Monday, January 19, when a tanker fully loaded with diesel overturned on the Apapa bridge, heading inward towards the Mile 2 area. The crash resulted in a major spill of its flammable contents onto the roadway. Disturbing footage from the scene captured residents risking their safety to collect the spilled diesel from the fallen vehicle.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
Speaking on Channels Television's Morning Brief programme on Tuesday, January 20, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, addressed the incident. He confirmed that a formal investigation into the cause of the crash is being handled by the Nigeria Police Force.
"It is the responsibility of the Nigerian police to investigate all accidents. I am very sure the investigations are ongoing now," Bakare-Oki stated. He emphasized, "I cannot preempt the decision of the investigation, but I can assure you the driver will not go unpunished."
Swift Cleanup to Avert Further Disaster
The LASTMA boss detailed the rapid emergency response following the removal of the tanker. He praised the efforts of agencies that worked to clear the area and mitigate the extreme fire hazard posed by the spilled fuel.
"Immediately the tanker was removed, the whole area was cleared. Even the Lagos State Fire Service had to spend extra hours ensuring that they cleared all the spilled fuel in order to avert a fire incident," Bakare-Oki explained. He noted that LASTMA itself has not drawn any preliminary conclusions about the crash's cause and will await the official findings from the police probe.
This event highlights the persistent dangers posed by tanker accidents on Lagos roads and the state authorities' stated commitment to enforcing road safety regulations and holding negligent drivers accountable.
