A major disaster was averted in Lagos State on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, after a tanker carrying 33,000 litres of ethanol fell at Second Rainbow Bridge in the Amuwo-Odofin area, prompting an emergency response to prevent a possible fire or explosion.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed the incident in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.

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According to the agency, no deaths or injuries were recorded following the accident involving a FOTON truck with registration number APP 346 YC.

Oke-Osanyintolu said preliminary investigations indicated that the tanker fell while its driver was attempting to negotiate a turn on the bridge.

The incident was reportedly caused by speeding, which led to the truck’s turntable detaching and falling onto the roundabout, obstructing the entire stretch.

Given the highly flammable nature of ethanol and the risk of fire or explosion, LASEMA’s Eagle Response Team immediately cordoned off the affected area in collaboration with other emergency responders.

The agency said crowd and traffic control measures were activated to protect residents and motorists and prevent further danger.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Federal Fire Service also applied chemical foam to the tanker and its surroundings to suppress fumes and reduce the risk of a secondary incident.

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) supported the operation by securing the scene and managing traffic.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the coordinated intervention prevented a potentially serious incident, with no casualties recorded.

In a separate incident, LASEMA’s Tiger Response Team from C3 was deployed to Oke Koto in Agege after a Dangote cement truck climbed a road divider and became stuck, obstructing vehicular movement.

The agency attributed the incident to reckless driving.

LASEMA, working alongside LASTMA, deployed heavy-duty recovery equipment known as Super Metro to remove the truck. The vehicle was subsequently towed to the LASTMA yard for further action.

According to the permanent secretary, the road was reopened to traffic after the recovery operation, and no deaths or injuries were recorded.

Oke-Osanyintolu commended emergency responders for their swift intervention in both incidents and urged motorists to obey speed limits and traffic regulations.

He particularly warned of the need for caution when transporting heavy loads and hazardous materials, given the potential consequences of road accidents involving such vehicles.

The LASEMA chief also encouraged residents to report emergencies through the agency’s toll-free lines, 767 and 112, to enable prompt intervention.

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The latest incidents highlight the importance of responsible driving and effective emergency coordination in preventing road accidents from escalating into major disasters.