One person has been confirmed dead while several others sustained injuries after a commercial bus conveying 21 passengers somersaulted and caught fire along the Oko-Olowo Expressway in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The accident occurred around Iye-Maja Junction after the bus, with registration number DTH840SA, reportedly suffered a punctured tyre while in motion, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle.
According to the Fire Service, it received a distress call concerning the accident and immediately mobilised firefighters to the scene.
The firefighters arrived at about 6:35 p.m. and commenced emergency operations.
“The passengers were evacuated from the vehicle, with those who sustained injuries taken to the hospital for medical attention,” the Service said.
The Fire Service confirmed that one person died in the crash and expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
The Chief Fire Officer of Kwara State, Alabi Muhammed, also commiserated with the family of the deceased.
Muhammed urged motorists, particularly commercial vehicle operators, to ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained and roadworthy before embarking on journeys.
He advised motorists to pay particular attention to critical vehicle components in order to reduce the risk of avoidable accidents.
“The importance of regular inspection of tyres, braking systems, electrical components and other critical parts of vehicles cannot be overemphasised,” Muhammed said.
He added that early detection of mechanical faults could help prevent serious road emergencies, urging motorists to exercise caution while driving on highways.
The Chief Fire Officer also called on members of the public to promptly report emergencies to the appropriate response agencies whenever they occur.
The Kwara State Fire Service said it remained committed to responding promptly to emergencies and protecting lives and property across the state.
