In the early hours of September 8, 2024, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) successfully concluded a recovery operation at Maryland, where multiple road accidents involving an oil tanker, an articulated truck, and several other vehicles caused heavy traffic disruption. The swift intervention followed distress calls received at 00:57 hrs through the 767/112 Toll-Free Lines, prompting the immediate deployment of LASEMA Response Teams from Onipanu Base and the Command and Control Centre, Alausa.
Upon their arrival at the scene by 01:13 hrs, the LASEMA teams encountered a chaotic scene involving an oil tanker, fully laden with diesel, that had suffered a mechanical failure and crashed into multiple vehicles. Additionally, an articulated truck carrying a 40-foot container collided with a MACK truck loaded with industrial gas bottles due to over-speeding and careless driving.
Tragically, three casualties were reported and taken away before the arrival of LASEMA’s Light Rescue Team (LRT), while several others sustained critical injuries and were rushed to various hospitals. Fortunately, the driver of the articulated truck was rescued and treated for leg injuries by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) before being transported to the hospital.
A total of six vehicles were involved in the accidents, including two Volkswagen Vanagon commercial buses, a Mitsubishi Space Bus, two mini-buses (Korope), and a Honda car. Some vehicles had been removed before the LRT’s arrival.
LASEMA quickly cordoned off the area, activating critical safety and traffic control measures to prevent secondary incidents. The Agency’s light tow truck, along with other heavy-duty equipment, was deployed to recover the vehicles and clear the road for safe vehicular movement. The operation was efficiently managed, leading to the removal of all affected vehicles.
Nosa Okunbor, Head of LASEMA’s Public Affairs Unit, confirmed that the road has been fully cleared, and safe traffic flow has resumed. “The Agency’s Response Teams have concluded the operation and are now headed back to base,” Okunbor stated, highlighting the coordinated efforts of all responders involved, including LASTMA, the Nigerian Police Force, and the LASG Fire and Rescue Service.
With LASEMA’s swift and effective response, the Maryland axis is now safe for all road users, ensuring smooth vehicular movement in the area.
