Tragedy struck along the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway in Kwara State after a commercial passenger bus somersaulted and burst into flames, leaving one person dead and 20 others with varying degrees of injuries.
The deadly crash occurred around the Oko-Olowo, Iye-Maja Junction when a 21-passenger commercial vehicle (registration number DTH 840 SA) suffered a sudden tyre puncture while in motion. The blowout caused the driver to instantly lose control, sending the bus somersaulting multiple times before it erupted into a raging inferno.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, stated that firefighters responded promptly to a distress call at approximately 6:35 pm, quickly commencing emergency evacuation and firefighting operations. Emergency responders successfully pulled out injured passengers and rushed them to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment, though one commuter was tragically confirmed deceased at the scene.
Expressing deep condolences to the family of the deceased, Kwara State Chief Fire Officer Alabi Muhammed urged all motorists, particularly commercial drivers, to prioritize routine vehicle maintenance and avoid using worn-out tyres to prevent avoidable highway disasters.
How often do you inspect your vehicle tyres before embarking on long trips? Share your thoughts and safety tips in the comment section below!
