Car Dealers Count Losses As Tanker Destroy Multiple Used Vehicles At Berger Auto Market

Car dealers are counting loses , sequel to a serious accident at Berger Suya, inward Mile 2, Lagos, involving a fully-loaded Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker and a speeding Lexus Jeep.

It was gathered that the tanker’s driver lost control following the collision, crashing into numerous unregistered vehicles displayed by car dealers along the highway setback, causing significant damage to many cars.

Car dealers at the Berger auto market are now assessing the extent of the destruction to their vehicles, with several units severely damaged or completely destroyed.

This incident has led to substantial financial losses for dealers who rely on the market for their sales.

Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Trinity Police Division, acted quickly to contain the situation, prevent an explosion, and secure the area.

Their prompt action, a major disaster was averted.The Lexus Jeep driver was injured and taken into police custody, while the tanker driver fled the scene.

A Car dealer who spoke to DAILY FOCUS NIGERIA under anonymity noted that the businessmen are calling for enhanced safety measures and stricter traffic enforcement to prevent similar accidents in the future, concerned about the ongoing risks and damages that reckless driving poses to their businesses.

Meanwhile, a statement from Lagos State Traffic Management Authority signed by
Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department explained that personnel attached to the area arrived at the scene with commendable promptness, immediately cordoning off and restricting vehicular movement across the entire corridor to ensure public safety and to facilitate the safe transloading of the highly flammable PMS into another tanker.

“In a swift, well-coordinated, and highly professional emergency response that forestalled what could have degenerated into a monumental catastrophe, ASTMA), in collaboration with officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency agencies, successfully averted a major disaster following a collision between a Lexus Jeep and a fully-loaded Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker around Berger Suya, inward Mile 2, Lagos.”, the statement noted.

According to preliminary security reports, the Lexus Jeep, with registration number LSR 606 XH, was reportedly at excessive speed when it collided with the PMS-laden tanker. The impact caused the tanker driver to lose control, subsequently ramming into several unregistered vehicles displayed along the highway setback, resulting in extensive damage to the affected vehicles.

 

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which promptly deployed its officers to the scene, flushed and neutralized the fuel spillage, thereby averting an imminent explosion and ensuring the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and nearby residents.

Meanwhile, officers from the Trinity Police Division provided security reinforcement throughout the sensitive operation, maintaining order and safeguarding the accident scene during the transloading and evacuation processes.

Further investigation revealed that the driver of the Lexus Jeep sustained injuries and was subsequently handed over to the Police by LASTMA officials for further inquiry, while the tanker driver absconded immediately after the incident.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, lauded the swift synergy and professionalism demonstrated by all responding agencies, describing the intervention as “a remarkable testament to the efficiency, coordination, and readiness of Lagos State’s emergency response architecture.”

He noted that the timely containment of the situation prevented what could have been a devastating explosion, given the volatility of petroleum products.

Mr. Bakare-Oki further admonished motorists to desist from reckless driving, adhere strictly to speed limits, and exercise maximum caution while on the road, emphasizing that LASTMA remains steadfastly committed to the protection of lives and property through proactive traffic management, continuous public sensitization, and rapid emergency interventions.

He reiterated that under the ongoing 24-hour operational regime, LASTMA will continue to strengthen collaboration with emergency and security agencies to ensure that traffic-related incidents across Lagos are swiftly and safely managed, thereby minimizing casualties and preventing secondary disasters.