A potential catastrophe was narrowly avoided in Lagos when a Liquefied Petroleum Gas tanker began leaking on the busy Ikorodu Road corridor, forcing an emergency shutdown of traffic and a major rescue operation.

The incident occurred at Owode Elede, inward Onirin, when the tanker, loaded with about five tonnes of LPG, suddenly developed a leak from its underside while in motion. Witnesses said the driver quickly pulled over, preventing the vehicle from continuing through the densely populated axis.

According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, its specialised Tiger Squad was immediately deployed after distress calls reported the strong smell of gas and visible vapour escaping from the tanker. On arrival, responders found gas already seeping onto the roadway, raising fears of an explosion in an area lined with shops, residential buildings and constant vehicular movement.

Officials said the driver’s swift decision to stop the vehicle in a relatively open space was crucial in averting a disaster. With the tanker immobilised, LASEMA coordinated a multi-agency response involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.

Traffic was diverted away from the scene as firefighters began continuous water blanketing of the tanker and its surroundings. The technique, which involves spraying large volumes of water, was used to suppress gas vapour, minimise the risk of ignition and create a safe working perimeter for technical crews.

A certified repair technician was brought in to locate and seal the leak on the tanker’s underside. Emergency teams maintained a cordon while monitoring gas levels and ensuring that no open flames, sparks or other ignition sources came close to the scene.

LASEMA confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded. Officials remained on site to enforce safety protocols until the tanker could be certified safe for movement and recovery operations commenced.

The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, appealed to motorists to obey diversions and avoid any activity that could trigger a fire, including smoking or using naked flames near the area. He also urged tanker and articulated vehicle operators to adhere strictly to maintenance standards and safe driving practices, warning that lapses in safety could have devastating consequences on Lagos roads.