A major disaster was narrowly avoided in Lagos on Sunday after a high-speed Lexus SUV collided with a fully loaded petrol tanker around Berger Suya, inward Mile 2, resulting in multiple vehicle damages and a tense emergency response operation.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), quick action by emergency responders averted what could have been a devastating explosion.

In a statement signed by LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the agency revealed that preliminary investigations showed the Lexus SUV, with registration number LSR 606 XH, was travelling at high speed when it rammed into a tanker laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

“The impact caused the tanker driver to lose control, forcing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into multiple unregistered cars displayed for sale along the highway setback,” Bakare-Oki stated.

He explained that LASTMA personnel in the area immediately responded by cordoning off the accident scene, restricting vehicular movement, and coordinating the safe transloading of the petrol into another tanker.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded promptly, flushing and neutralising spilled fuel to prevent an explosion. Officers from the Trinity Police Division provided security backup during the operation.

Bakare-Oki confirmed that the Lexus driver sustained injuries and was handed over to the police for further investigation, while the tanker driver fled the scene.

He praised the seamless coordination among LASTMA, the Fire Service, and the Police, describing their efforts as a “remarkable demonstration of professionalism, efficiency, and preparedness” within Lagos State’s emergency response system.

“The swift containment of the incident prevented what could have been a major disaster, given the volatile nature of the product involved,” he said.

Bakare-Oki urged motorists to drive responsibly and adhere to speed limits, stressing that reckless driving and over-speeding remain major causes of preventable road accidents.

He reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive traffic management, public education, and rapid emergency response.

“We will continue to strengthen our 24-hour operations and enhance collaboration with emergency and security agencies to ensure road safety across Lagos,” Bakare-Oki added.