Tension filled the air on Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday. This was after a serious accident involving a pickup truck carrying 50kg cooking gas cylinders, a Lexus car, a Siena bus, and a commercial tricycle. The crash happened around 5:30pm near the Stadium Complex Gate.
The accident caused gas and other flammable materials to spill on the road. This prompted the Kwara State Fire Service to issue an emergency warning to all road users. They asked motorists coming from Baboko, Surulere, Adewole, and nearby areas to steer clear of that section of the road. They advised everyone to find alternative routes until the situation was under control.
Hassan Adekunle, the Public Relations Officer for the fire service, spoke shortly after the incident. He mentioned that the presence of gas cylinders and leaked petroleum could cause serious safety risks for drivers, pedestrians, and other road users. "Given the highly flammable nature of these products, the situation poses a potential safety risk to motorists, pedestrians, and other road users," Adekunle said.
Photos from the scene show a pickup truck on its side, with gas cylinders scattered across the road. Another damaged vehicle and a yellow tricycle were also part of the crash. Petroleum was seen spread across the wet road around the overturned truck, causing more worry among motorists and other bystanders.
The fire service confirmed that their personnel were at the scene to manage the situation and prevent any further danger. "Personnel of the Kwara State Fire Service are already on the ground, working professionally to contain the situation and prevent any escalation or further danger," the statement noted.
Emergency teams were busy attending to the overturned truck and securing the area around the gas cylinders. They also urged drivers using the opposite side of the road to slow down and be very careful. Road users were asked to follow the instructions from the emergency workers.
The fire service warned passersby and onlookers to keep their distance from the crash site. They stressed that gatherings could hinder emergency work and put people in danger. "Members of the public, passersby, and onlookers are strongly advised to keep away from the scene and proceed to their respective destinations," the fire service said.
The agency promised to give more updates once the area is cleared and confirmed safe for normal traffic.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇