A tragic incident occurred on Sunday along the Oko-Olowo Expressway in Ilorin, Kwara State, when a commercial bus carrying 21 passengers somersaulted and caught fire, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened around Iye-Maja Junction. The bus, with registration number DTH840SA, reportedly suffered a tyre puncture while in motion, causing the driver to lose control.
The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the incident, stating that they received a distress call and immediately mobilized to the scene. Firefighters arrived at about 6:35 pm and commenced rescue and firefighting operations. The vehicle somersaulted before catching fire, and the passengers were evacuated from the vehicle, with those who sustained injuries taken to the hospital for medical attention.
The Fire Service confirmed that one person died in the crash. The Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery. Muhammed urged motorists, particularly commercial vehicle operators, to ensure that their vehicles were properly maintained and roadworthy before embarking on journeys.
Muhammed stressed the need for motorists to pay particular attention to critical components of their vehicles to reduce the risk of avoidable accidents. He emphasized the importance of regular inspection of tyres, braking systems, electrical components, and other critical parts of vehicles. Early detection of faults could help prevent serious road emergencies, he added.
The Chief Fire Officer urged motorists to exercise caution while driving on the highways and also urged members of the public to promptly report emergencies to the appropriate response agencies. The Kwara State Fire Service said it remained committed to responding promptly to emergencies and protecting lives and property across the state.
The incident occurred on a Sunday, and the spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the details of the incident in a statement on Monday. Adekunle provided an account of the events leading up to the accident, including the tyre puncture and the subsequent loss of control by the driver.
The Kwara State Fire Service's response to the incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and response in the state. The service's efforts to provide medical attention to the injured and investigate the cause of the accident demonstrate its commitment to protecting lives and property.
Key points
- One person was killed, and several others were injured in the bus fire.
- The accident occurred due to a tyre puncture that caused the driver to lose control.
- The Kwara State Fire Service responded promptly to the incident, providing rescue and firefighting operations.
