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In a move which demonstrated his responsiveness to the plight of the citizens, Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday visited the scene of a Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) laden tanker which caught fire after falling off the Ipaja bridge, causing extensive damages, promising that he would ensure that all those who lost properties get back to their normal business life.
The Governor who inspected the affected areas and properties including vehicles destroyed, alongside the State Police Commissioner, Mr Kayode Aderanti, the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Special Duties, Dr Aderemi Desalu, Home Affairs, Mrs Grace Oladimeji and Director of State Fire Service, Mr Rasak Fadipe, said as soon as he receives the report in the next 48 hours, something positive would be done to ensure that life returns to normal.
“As at 1am this morning, a tanker loaded with 33,000 litres of petrol fell from Ipaja Bridge and spilled all its contents within the environs of Ipaja, covering almost five streets here. In the last four hours, all our emergency agencies have been effectively on ground and we have been able to manage and control consequences of what 33,000 litres of petrol would have done to this neighborhood”, the Governor said in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna
“We would ensure that all those who have lost properties and their shops, we would quickly find a way to help them get back to their normal business lives. I would receive the report of the fire incident in the next 48 hours and we would ensure that we do something positively to ensure that lives can return to normal”, he said.
He added that at the last count, all the emergency agencies agencies have reported that everything has been put under control, adding that two other similar incidences were recorded in Badagry and Ojo town overnight.
While thanking God that there has been no loss of lives, Governor Ambode said the incidents mean that tanker drivers must start doing something about their operations because government cannot afford to continue to record loss of lives and properties because tanker drivers are not disciplined.
“It would also mean that our tanker drivers have to start to do something about their operations. We cannot continue to record loss of lives and properties because our tanker drivers are not disciplined”, the Governor said.
Also briefing newsmen at the scene, the State Police Commissioner, Mr Kayode Aderanti said his men are at the scene of the very fatal tanker accident and thanked God that no fatality was recorded.
“The tanker fell off the Ipaja overhead bridge. We thank God that we did not have any fatality, but we had some casualties. The role of the Police is to ensure that we investigate the remote and immediate cause of this accident and bring to book whoever is responsible for this dastardly act”, he stated.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Dr Aderemi Desalu who was also on ground at the scene thanked Lagosians for alerting the emergency services on time through the 767 and 112 Toll free lines.
“The other thing is that I want to implore Lagosians is to keep back a bit whenever there is a disaster in order for those of us who are doing the work to be able to do it freely. I know you have good intentions, but if you obey the cordon, it would make our lives a lot easier”, he added.
The State Director of Fire Service, Mr Rasak Fadipe while giving a brief on the accident, said the fire service responded promptly in an effective manner which was why no lives was lost.
“The advice I want to give is that tankers drivers that want to drive at night must rest during the day so that there would not be fatigue to handle the trucks at night. The tanker that fell at Badagry, close to Toll Gate at Magbon bus stop, the driver was contesting road with a tipper. Imagine a driver conveying combustible products contesting the road. We urge the drivers to be very careful, it is important they adhere”, he also said.
The Executive Secretary of Agbado- Oke Odo Local Council Development Area, Engr. Famoyiran thanked the Governor, the State Police Commissioner and the emergency responders for their timely intervention which has saved the community from more destruction.
