Tragic Blaze on Ilorin–Jebba Highway Claims Two Lives

Two lives were lost in a horrific petrol tanker accident and fire at Pasa village along the Ilorin–Jebba highway in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday.

The deceased, identified as the tanker driver and his motor boy, died instantly when the tanker, carrying 30,000 litres of petrol, reportedly lost control, veered off the road, and overturned around 3:43 pm, sparking a massive fire.

Spokesman for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said emergency crews arrived promptly, extinguishing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to nearby traffic.

“The driver and his motor boy unfortunately lost their lives immediately at the scene,” he stated.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, commiserated with the families of the victims and called on road users, particularly tanker drivers, to exercise the highest level of caution on highways.

He emphasized the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, adherence to speed limits, avoiding night journeys where possible, and ensuring drivers rest adequately to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Falade also urged motorists to always carry fire extinguishers in their vehicles and promptly report emergencies to the fire service for swift intervention.

The tragic incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter safety measures for tanker drivers and more stringent monitoring of vehicles carrying flammable substances on Nigerian highways.