A multiple-vehicle crash involving a truck carrying 50kg cooking gas cylinders has forced an emergency shutdown of part of Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The Punch reported that the accident occurred at about 5:30pm on Wednesday near the Stadium Complex Gate and involved a pickup truck loaded with gas cylinders, a Lexus car, a Siena bus and a commercial tricycle.
The collision left the gas-carrying truck overturned across the road, with petroleum and other inflammable materials spilling onto the highway.
Following the incident, the Kwara State Fire Service warned motorists and other road users to stay away from the affected section until emergency operations were completed.
In a statement released shortly after the crash, the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, said the leaked petroleum and presence of gas cylinders created a potentially dangerous situation.
“Given the highly inflammable nature of these products, the situation poses a potential safety risk to motorists, pedestrians and other road users,” Adekunle said.
The fire service advised motorists approaching from Baboko, Surulere, Adewole and neighbouring areas to avoid the affected portion of Ibrahim Taiwo Road and take alternative routes.
Images from the scene showed the pickup truck lying on its side, with several gas cylinders visible around it.
A damaged vehicle and a yellow commercial tricycle were also seen at the scene.
Emergency responders were deployed to the area to control the situation, secure the gas cylinders and prevent a possible escalation.
“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 added.
The agency also urged motorists using the opposite lane to reduce their speed, exercise extreme caution and follow directives from emergency personnel at the scene.
It further warned members of the public against gathering around the crash site, noting that onlookers could obstruct emergency operations and expose themselves to unnecessary 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 said another update would be issued after the affected area had been cleared and declared safe for normal traffic.
