One person has died while several others were injured after a commercial bus carrying 21 passengers somersaulted and caught fire on the Oko-Olowo Expressway in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The accident occurred on Sunday near Iye-Maja Junction after the bus, with registration number DTH840SA, reportedly suffered a tyre puncture while in motion.
The incident caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to the crash and subsequent fire.
The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle.
According to the Service, firefighters received a distress call and arrived at the scene around 6:35 pm, where they immediately began rescue operations.
“The passengers were evacuated from the vehicle, with those who sustained injuries taken to the hospital for medical attention,” the Service said.
It confirmed that one passenger died in the accident, while several others were injured.
The Chief Fire Officer of Kwara State, Alabi Muhammed, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured passengers a quick recovery.
Muhammed also urged motorists, particularly commercial transport operators, to ensure their vehicles were properly maintained and fit for the road before embarking on journeys.
He stressed the need for regular checks on tyres, braking systems, electrical components and other essential vehicle parts.
“The importance of regular inspection of tyres, braking systems, electrical components and other critical parts of vehicles cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
The fire chief added that identifying mechanical faults early could prevent serious accidents and other emergencies on the highways.
He advised motorists to exercise caution while driving and urged members of the public to immediately contact relevant emergency agencies whenever accidents or other emergencies occur.
The Kwara State Fire Service reaffirmed its commitment to responding promptly to emergencies and protecting lives and property across the state.
