UPDATED: Gas truck collision triggers emergency shutdown on Kwara highway

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Tension gripped motorists and other road users along Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday after a gas-laden Toyota Sienna bus suffered brake failure and crashed into three other vehicles near the Stadium Complex Gate.

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The accident, which occurred at about 5 pm in front of Bekki & Sons Ltd, involved a Sienna bus, a Toyota Avensis car, a commercial tricycle and a motorcycle.

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The Sienna, with registration number LEM 95 XB, was conveying 23 gas cylinders and six drums of carbide when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle following brake failure.

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The driver, in an attempt to stop the vehicle, reportedly manoeuvred towards the road divider, but the Sienna crossed to the opposite side of the road, fell on its side and collided with the other vehicles.

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The driver of the gas-laden bus sustained injuries in the crash, according to the Kwara State Fire Service.

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The other vehicles involved in the accident were a tricycle with registration number SHA 503 VD, a Toyota Avensis with registration number SMK 530 JB and a motorcycle with registration number ARP 405 VE.

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The incident caused panic among motorists and residents around the busy road as the overturned Sienna had several gas cylinders and drums of carbide on board.

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The presence of the hazardous materials, coupled with petroleum reportedly dripping from one of the vehicles, heightened concerns about a possible fire outbreak at the scene.

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The Kwara State Fire Service, which responded to the incident, said the combination of the gas cylinders, carbide and petroleum leakage constituted a potential fire and safety hazard.

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In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, the agency said its firefighters immediately commenced operations to prevent the situation from escalating.

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“According to information gathered at the scene, the accident was caused by brake failure experienced by the gas-laden Toyota Sienna,” the statement said.

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The fire service explained that the driver attempted to use the road divider to bring the vehicle to a stop after discovering that the brakes had failed.

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It added that the manoeuvre was unsuccessful as the Sienna crossed into the opposite lane before falling on its side and hitting the tricycle, motorcycle and Toyota Avensis.

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At the scene, the overturned Sienna posed a particular challenge to emergency responders because of the 23 cylinders and six drums of carbide it was carrying.

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The agency said its personnel successfully averted the danger associated with the hazardous materials while also managing the petroleum leakage from one of the vehicles.

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The fire service had earlier issued an emergency advisory asking motorists to avoid the affected portion of Ibrahim Taiwo Road while its personnel worked to secure the area.

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Motorists coming from Baboko, Surulere, Adewole and adjoining areas were advised to use alternative routes during the emergency operation.

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The agency said the temporary restriction was necessary to allow its firefighters to operate safely and protect motorists, pedestrians and other road users from the potential danger posed by the materials at the scene.

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

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Passersby and onlookers were similarly advised to stay away from the crash scene to avoid obstructing emergency operations and exposing themselves to unnecessary danger.

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The fire service later confirmed that its operation had been successfully completed and that the affected section of Ibrahim Taiwo Road was safe and motorable.

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“Following the successful completion of our operations, the road has now been confirmed safe and motorable, and motorists can proceed through the area while exercising caution and adhering to necessary safety measures,” Adekunle stated.

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The agency said the prompt intervention of its personnel helped to prevent what could have become a more serious emergency, considering the quantity and nature of the materials being transported by the Sienna.

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The Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, commended the firefighters for their prompt response and professional handling of the incident.

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Muhammed noted that the timely intervention helped to avert the potential danger posed by the gas cylinders, carbide drums and petroleum leakage.

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The fire service subsequently urged operators of vehicles conveying inflammable and hazardous materials to ensure that their vehicles were properly maintained and roadworthy before embarking on journeys.

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It stressed that adequate vehicle maintenance was particularly important for operators transporting materials capable of causing fire or other serious hazards in the event of a road crash.

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The agency also appealed to motorists and other road users to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency responders whenever accidents or other emergencies occur.

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The latest development means the road, which was temporarily restricted to facilitate emergency operations, has now been reopened to motorists, although the fire service advised road users to exercise caution while passing through the area.

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