A major tragedy was averted on Tuesday evening after a fuel-laden tanker fell and spilled its contents in front of the Nigerian Maritime Resources Development Centre, a facility belonging to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, at Kirikiri, Lagos.
The incident, which occurred along the ever-busy Kirikiri axis, prompted a swift emergency response as authorities immediately cordoned off the area and restricted vehicular movement within a 500-metre radius to prevent a possible explosion.
Emergency responders, including officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, and the Nigeria Police Force, swiftly moved in to contain the situation.
The spill was doused, while the remaining fuel in the tanker was carefully transloaded into another vehicle to prevent further leakage.
At press time, there were no reports of fire outbreak, casualties, or property damage.
However, the atmosphere remained tense as responders battled to neutralise the flammable substance and ensure the area was safe for movement.
Three fire trucks were sighted at the scene as firefighters worked tirelessly to avert any potential disaster, while security personnel maintained a perimeter to keep motorists and pedestrians at a safe distance.
Eyewitnesses said panic briefly gripped the area as shop owners hurriedly closed their businesses, fearing a possible explosion.
Despite the evacuation order, several residents and onlookers remained nearby, closely monitoring the unfolding situation.
The recent incident is the third of its kind within a week.
On Monday, traffic along the Chisco axis inward Victoria Island came to a standstill following an accident involving an overturned gas tanker.
Similarly, on October 27, 2025, a high-speed Lexus SUV collided with a fully loaded petrol tanker around Berger Suya, inward Mile 2, narrowly averting another tragedy.
