LAGOS, Nigeria — A gas-laden tanker overturned Monday morning in Victoria Island, one of Lagos’ busiest commercial districts, triggering a swift emergency response and reigniting public outrage over the city’s recurring tanker crises.
The incident occurred near the Chisco traffic light along a key route into the city’s financial hub. According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the tanker lost balance and tipped over, blocking the main carriageway and raising fears of a potential explosion.
Emergency personnel, including fire services and environmental safety teams, quickly cordoned off the area to prevent ignition and ensure public safety. Authorities temporarily shut down the road to allow for recovery operations and containment of the gas.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, but the situation caused significant gridlock, with commuters advised to seek alternative routes. Recovery efforts continued into the afternoon.
LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq said the agency was working with other emergency units to ensure the vehicle was safely removed. “We are prioritizing safety and traffic flow while monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
The overturned vehicle was reportedly carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), prompting heightened caution due to the flammability of the cargo. Officials confirmed that no leaks had been detected.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Seun Osiyemi, expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents. “This is a wake-up call. We cannot continue to gamble with lives and infrastructure. Stricter enforcement is coming,” he said during a press briefing.
On social media, residents voiced frustration and fear. “Every time I leave home, I wonder if I’ll be caught in another tanker disaster,” wrote one commuter on X (formerly Twitter). Another user posted, “Victoria Island could’ve gone up in flames today. We’re lucky—but for how long?”
Advocacy groups renewed calls for a ban on daytime movement of hazardous tankers through densely populated areas. “We’ve seen too many close calls. It’s time for a complete overhaul of how we regulate these vehicles,” said Tunde Bakare, spokesperson for the Safe Roads Initiative.
Victoria Island, home to major banks, corporate offices, and government buildings, was particularly affected during the morning rush hour. Businesses reported delayed openings and staff stranded in traffic for hours.
Authorities said a full investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the accident and assess the tanker’s compliance with safety standards.
As of midday, traffic diversions remained in place while emergency crews continued clean up and recovery operations. The city, once again, was left to count the cost of a disaster narrowly averted.
