Lastma, Emergency Responders Extricate Two Severely Burnt Victims as Diesel Tanker Plunges From Otedola Bridge and Engulfs Underpass in Ferocious Inferno

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has demonstrated its unwavering resolve to safeguard human lives and mitigate the devastating consequences of road traffic incidents following a harrowing occurrence in which a diesel-laden tanker plunged from Otedola Bridge and erupted into a ferocious inferno beneath the bridge. The terrifying conflagration left two victims with extensive and severe burn injuries, necessitating their immediate extrication from the danger zone and urgent medical intervention.

In a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the agency disclosed that its emergency response team, in concert with other relevant emergency management agencies, swiftly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued the two severely burnt victims from the perilous situation in a demonstration of commendable alacrity, operational dexterity and unwavering commitment to humanitarian service.

Taofiq stated that the injured victims were subsequently evacuated by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s Rescue Unit (LRU) to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, Toll-Gate, where they were admitted for immediate medical attention.

According to the statement, operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were engaged in concerted firefighting operations to contain and extinguish the raging inferno, prevent its further escalation and avert additional casualties, as well as potential damage to surrounding infrastructure.

Other emergency and security agencies that participated in the coordinated rescue and containment operations included the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s Rescue Unit (LRU), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (Neighbourhood Watch) and Police personnel from the Alausa Police Division.

Taofiq noted that the collective intervention of these agencies exemplified the indispensable significance of inter-agency synergy, operational coordination and rapid emergency mobilisation in managing high-risk incidents and preventing an already precarious situation from degenerating into a more catastrophic occurrence.

Commending the promptness, professionalism and commendable sense of duty demonstrated by the responding agencies, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, lauded the concerted efforts of all emergency responders whose timely intervention facilitated the rescue and evacuation of the injured victims while supporting ongoing efforts to contain the inferno.

The General Manager further expressed his heartfelt wishes for the swift and complete recovery of the two victims, reiterating the paramount importance of rapid emergency response, institutional collaboration and unwavering dedication to the preservation of human lives in the face of unforeseen road traffic incidents.

Taofiq added that LASTMA reiterates its steadfast commitment to the enforcement of traffic regulations, efficient traffic management, prompt incident response and the strategic coordination of emergency operations across Lagos State.

The Authority consequently urged motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty and articulated vehicles, to prioritise regular mechanical inspections, strict adherence to prescribed safety standards and responsible driving practices to minimise the occurrence of preventable road traffic disasters.