Gas truck crash forces emergency diversion on Ilorin road

Motorists in Ilorin, Kwara State, have been advised to avoid a section of Ibrahim Taiwo Road after a crash involving a truck carrying 50kg cooking gas cylinders and three other vehicles.

The collision occurred at about 5:30pm on Wednesday near the Stadium Complex Gate and involved a Lexus car, a Siena bus and a commercial tricycle.

The impact overturned the pickup truck, spilling gas cylinders and petroleum products onto the highway and raising fears of a possible fire or explosion.

The Kwara State Fire Service subsequently issued an emergency advisory, directing motorists approaching from Baboko, Surulere, Adewole and surrounding areas to use alternative routes until the affected section was declared safe.

The agency’s Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, said the leaked petroleum and presence of the gas cylinders created a potentially dangerous situation because of their inflammable nature.

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

The fire service said emergency personnel had been deployed to the scene to contain the situation and prevent further incidents.

“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 agency said.

Images from the scene showed the gas-laden pickup lying on its side across the road, with another damaged vehicle and a yellow tricycle also involved in the accident.

Petroleum was reportedly visible on the wet surface around the overturned vehicle, prompting emergency responders to secure the area.

The fire service urged motorists using the unaffected side of the road to reduce their speed, exercise extreme caution and obey directives from emergency officials.

Residents and other members of the public were also warned against approaching the crash site or gathering around the scene, as such activities could interfere with emergency operations and expose them to danger.

“Members of the public, passersby and onlookers are strongly advised to keep away from the scene and proceed to their respective destinations,” the agency said.

The fire service said another update would be issued after the affected area had been cleared and certified safe for normal vehicular movement.