A major disaster was narrowly avoided in Lagos State on Friday, 3 July 2026, after emergency responders successfully contained a leaking Liquefied Petroleum Gas tanker at Owode Elede, inward Onirin along Ikorodu Road, preventing what could have escalated into a large-scale explosion.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Head of Public Affairs, Afolabi Olawale, noting that the agency’s rapid response team was immediately activated after reports of a gas leak emerged in the early hours of the day.
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According to the agency, responders arrived at the scene to discover an LPG tanker, registration number MUS-289YH, carrying approximately five tonnes of gas, discharging its contents onto the roadway due to a leak that reportedly developed from the underside of the moving vehicle.
“The driver acted promptly by bringing the vehicle to a safe stop, thereby preventing a possible fire outbreak or explosion,” the statement said.
Emergency teams, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, worked together to divert traffic, secure the perimeter and prevent ignition sources from reaching the affected area.
Continuous water blanketing was carried out around the tanker and surrounding environment to suppress gas vapour and reduce the risk of explosion while technical teams worked to stabilise the situation.
A certified repair technician was later deployed to the scene to address the mechanical failure that caused the leakage, as safety operations continued under strict supervision.
No casualties or injuries were recorded, a development officials described as a significant relief given the high-risk nature of LPG incidents in densely populated urban corridors.
Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, urged motorists and residents to remain cautious and cooperate fully with emergency personnel during such operations.
“Motorists should cooperate with traffic management personnel deployed to the axis and avoid open flames, smoking, or any source of ignition in the immediate vicinity,” he said.
He also called on tanker operators to adhere strictly to maintenance standards and safety protocols to reduce the risk of similar incidents on Lagos roads.
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Emergency responders remained on site for continued monitoring and clearance operations at the time of filing this report.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
