Following the stakeholders engagement by the Plateau State Ministry of Transport on ways to stem tanker and trucks crashes in the State, a swift action was taken in that regard and what would have been a catastrophic gas tanker crash was averted in the Lamingo area of Jos metropolis through coordinated preventive measures by emergency responders and security agencies.
A statement by the Corps Commander, Maxwell K Lede, the Sector Commander of RS4.1 Federal Road Safety Plateau indicated that the incident, which occurred at approximately 7:03 PM near the TT & T roundabout along the Jos-Bauchi ring road, involved three vehicles and caused significant traffic disruptions.
The prompt response of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which received the distress call at 7:06 PM and arrived at the scene within 14 minutes, played a crucial role in managing the situation. The FRSC was joined by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Fire Service to prevent secondary incidents, particularly a gas explosion.
According to the statement, the security agencies immediately rerouted traffic away from the crash scene to prevent congestion and reduce the risk of further accidents. Motorists were advised to take alternative routes, including Terminus, Bauchi Road, and Kwan Road, depending on their destinations.
On their part, fire service personnel remained on high alert at the crash site, deploying fire suppression equipment and monitoring the gas tanker to prevent leakage or ignition.
The presence of armed security personnel, including the Nigerian Army and NPF officers ensured that unauthorized individuals were kept at a safe distance from the accident scene to minimize risks.
Local residents and passersby played a crucial role in assisting emergency responders, helping with traffic control, and ensuring smooth evacuation procedures.
The FRSC and other agencies issued immediate public advisories, urging commuters to avoid the crash site and follow alternative routes to prevent congestion and possible exposure to hazardous conditions.
Speaking on the coordinated response, Corps Commander, Maxwell K. Lede, the Sector Commander of RS4.1 Plateau, praised the swift intervention of all stakeholders and the cooperation of the public in ensuring safety.
“The immediate and effective collaboration of all emergency response teams, security agencies, and the public has prevented what could have been a tragic disaster. We appreciate the patience of motorists and urge everyone to remain cautious while using the roads,” he stated.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation while conducting further investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, motorists and residents are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent future incidents.
- Rotmwakassam
