Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
One person has been confirmed dead while four others were rescued following a fatal fuel tanker accident involving brake failure in Lagos State, emergency response officials have reported.
The incident occurred when a fuel tanker reportedly experienced brake failure while moving along a busy road in the state, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash. Eyewitnesses said the tanker veered off its lane before overturning, triggering panic among nearby motorists and pedestrians who attempted to escape the impact zone.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency were swiftly deployed to the scene alongside other first responders. Rescue teams worked to extract victims trapped in the wreckage while securing the area to prevent a possible fire outbreak, given the flammable nature of the tanker’s cargo.
Officials confirmed that one person died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash, while four individuals were rescued alive and immediately transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The identity of the deceased has not been publicly released pending notification of family members.
Authorities said preliminary investigations suggest mechanical failure, particularly brake malfunction, as the likely cause of the accident. Mechanical defects and poor vehicle maintenance are commonly associated with tanker accidents on Nigerian highways, where heavy-duty vehicles often operate under challenging traffic and infrastructure conditions.
Firefighters were also deployed to contain potential fuel spillage and avert secondary explosions. Residents and motorists were advised to maintain a safe distance from the crash site until full safety clearance was completed.
Road safety experts have repeatedly warned about the risks posed by ageing tanker fleets, overloading, and inadequate routine inspection systems in commercial transport operations. The Federal Road Safety Corps has in previous advisories urged tanker operators to ensure strict compliance with mechanical safety standards before embarking on long-distance haulage.
Traffic flow along the affected corridor was temporarily disrupted while rescue operations and vehicle recovery efforts were underway. Authorities later confirmed that the road was cleared after the wreckage was removed.
Tanker accidents remain a recurring public safety challenge in major Nigerian cities, particularly in high-density commercial areas such as Lagos, where heavy traffic congestion and mechanical wear on long-distance transport vehicles increase accident risk.
The Lagos State Government has continued to promote road safety awareness campaigns targeting commercial transport operators. Officials emphasise the importance of routine brake system inspection, proper vehicle maintenance, and adherence to speed regulations.
The state emergency management agency urged residents to report hazardous vehicle conditions and avoid crowding accident scenes, noting that uncontrolled gatherings can complicate rescue operations and expose civilians to additional danger.
While investigations into the crash are ongoing, authorities have assured the public that further details will be released once forensic and mechanical assessments are completed.
The tragic accident adds to growing concerns about road safety management for heavy-duty fuel transportation in urban Nigeria, where infrastructure pressure and vehicle maintenance challenges remain persistent risks.
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