JUST IN: Gas truck collision triggers emergency shutdown on Kwara highway

n n

Tension gripped motorists and other road users along Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday following a multiple-vehicle collision involving a pickup truck loaded with 50kg cooking gas cylinders, a Lexus car, a Siena bus and a commercial tricycle.

n

The accident, which occurred around 5:30pm near the Stadium Complex Gate, left inflammable materials spilled on the highway, prompting the Kwara State Fire Service to issue an emergency advisory to motorists.

n

The fire service advised motorists coming from Baboko, Surulere, Adewole and adjoining areas to avoid the affected section of the road and use alternative routes until the danger was brought under control.

n

In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, shortly after the incident, the agency said the presence of the gas cylinders and leaked petroleum posed a potential safety risk to motorists, pedestrians and other road users.

n

“Given the highly inflammable nature of these products, the situation poses a potential safety risk to motorists, pedestrians and other road users,” Adekunle said.

n

Photographs from the scene show a pickup truck carrying several gas cylinders overturned on its side across the road, while another one with visible damage and a yellow tricycle were also involved in the crash.

n

Petroleum was seen spread across the wet road around the overturned truck, raising concerns among motorists and other road users at the scene.

n

The fire service said its personnel had been deployed to the area to contain the situation and prevent further danger.

n

“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.

n

Emergency personnel were also seen attending to the overturned pickup and securing the area around the gas cylinders.

n

The agency urged motorists using the opposite side of the road to slow down, exercise extreme caution, and comply with instructions from emergency personnel.

n

It also advised passersby and onlookers to stay away from the crash scene, warning that unnecessary gatherings could obstruct emergency operations and expose people to avoidable risks.

n

“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.

n

The agency said it would issue a further update once the area had been cleared and confirmed safe for normal traffic.

n n