Emergency responders successfully carried out a rescue operation at Coinoil Petrol Station on Capitol Road, Agege area of Lagos State, after a petrol attendant accidentally fell into an underground petrol reservoir. The incident, which occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, also saw a Lagos State Fire Service Search and Rescue Officer slipping into the tank during the rescue attempt.
Eyewitnesses reported that the petrol attendant was checking the fuel level in the underground tank when he slipped and fell in. The prompt response came from the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA).
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, provided a detailed account of the incident: “Upon arrival, our response team found that one of the workers at the filling station had fallen into the underground petrol tank while trying to check the fuel level. Our team immediately initiated a rescue operation to save the individual.”
The initial rescue effort was successful, and the petrol attendant was safely brought to the surface. However, during the operation, a Search and Rescue Officer lost his footing and also fell into the same underground tank. Responders swiftly adapted to the new emergency and successfully rescued their colleague as well.
Following the rescues, officials from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) provided immediate medical attention to both victims at the scene. They were later transported to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for further evaluation and treatment.
The Lagos State Fire Service and LASEMA were commended for their swift response and professionalism in handling the potentially dangerous situation. The successful rescue operations underscored the training and dedication of Lagos State’s emergency responders, highlighting their commitment to public safety and effective emergency management.