An unspecified number of people on Friday lost their lives in a ghastly accident which occurred at Iyemaja village, near Oko- Olowo along Ilorin – Jebba Expressway in Kwara State.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the accident which occurred about 8:30am involved a petroleum tanker and an articulated truck conveying fertilizers.
Sources claimed that it was when the driver of the articulated truck attempted to overtake the petroleum tanker that the incident occurred.
The sources claimed that a number of people lost their lives as they were burnt beyond recognition.
However, the spokesman of Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle said in a statement that only the driver of the articulated vehicle died in the accident.
“On Friday, February 28, 2025, at 09:24am, the Kwara State Fire Service swiftly responded to a distress call regarding a fire incident involving a petrol tanker and an articulated truck at Iyemaja village along the Oko-Olowo- Jebba expressway.
“The petrol tanker was carrying 33,000 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), while the articulated truck was loaded with fertilizer. Upon arrival, our dedicated firefighters immediately took action to contain the fire and prevent further damage. Their swift intervention ensured that the fertilizer cargo was salvaged.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred when the articulated truck attempted to overtake the petrol tanker.
“In the process, it struck the rear of the tanker, causing a fuel spill that ignited. Tragically, the driver of the articulated truck was trapped and lost his life,” Adekunle said in the statement.
