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The driver of the diesel tanker that overturned on the Apapa Bridge, inward Mile 2, will face sanctions following investigations into the incident, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, disclosed the update after a diesel-laden tanker toppled on the bridge on Monday, January 19, spilling fuel across the roadway. Videos from the scene showed residents scooping diesel from the fallen tanker, raising concerns about safety and potential hazards.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, January 20, Bakare-Oki explained that the Nigeria Police Force is leading investigations into the crash. “It is the responsibility of the Nigerian police to investigate all accidents. I am very sure the investigations are ongoing now. I cannot preempt the decision of the investigation, but I can assure you the driver will not go unpunished,” he said.
He added that emergency agencies responded quickly to prevent further danger after the tanker was removed. “Immediately the tanker was removed, the whole area was cleared. Even the Lagos State Fire Service had to spend extra hours ensuring that all the spilled fuel was cleaned up to avert a potential fire incident,” Bakare-Oki noted.
When asked about the cause of the accident, he stressed that LASTMA is awaiting the outcome of the police investigation. “We’ll await the decision of the police investigation,” he said, emphasizing that his team has no preliminary conclusions regarding the crash.
The incident highlights the risks associated with transporting fuel in congested urban areas and the importance of swift emergency response to prevent disasters.
