The entire Surulere community has been thrown into panic following a gas tanker leakage along Ikorodu Road, by Stadium Road, Surulere area of Lagos State on Saturday morning.
The situation which created panic in the area caused heavy traffic gridlock as motorists and residents ran in different directions for safety.
However, emergency responders have cordoned off a leaking gas tanker on Ikorodu Road.
Director, Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, who confirmed the incident, said the situation is under control as the area has been cordoned off by the rescue team.
Speaking on the development the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, speaking on the incident, urged residents to be calm as the situation poses no threat due to ongoing rescue operations.
According to Oke-Osanyitolu, “There is currently road closure from Stadium Road Ojuelegba (Both Sides), a truck carrying gas had an accident and gas started leaking, the vehicle was stopped around Stadium Hotel Bus Stop, along the Funsho Williams Avenue (Western Avenue).
“The Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, Police, LASEMA, LASTMA are currently on site doing the needful for proper safety of the entire community, road users and Lagosians at large.”
According to eyewitnesses, the gas leak started around 9 a.m. when the driver of the tanker carrying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) experienced a hitch while in motion due to a mechanical fault and the tank started leaking.
Men of the fire service who raced to douse the tension were seen dampening the area to prevent any possible outbreak of fire.
At press time, the rescuers were seen trying to evacuate the leaking gas tanker which has gone viral on social media.
The cause of the leakage could not be ascertained as at press time while investigation has commenced.