One dies in Okolowo Expressway tanker explosion
One person has been reported dead following a fire incident involving a petrol tanker and an articulated truck at Iyemaja Village along the Oko-Olowo/Jebba Expressway, Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to a statement by Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the Head of Media and Publicity, Kwara State Fire Service, the incident, which occurred on Friday, February 28, 2025, happened when “the articulated truck attempted to overtake the petrol tanker. In the process, it struck the rear of the tanker, causing a fuel spill that ignited. Tragically, the driver of the articulated truck was trapped and lost his life.”
The statement furthered that the petrol tanker carried 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) while the articulated truck was loaded with fertilizer.
“Upon arrival, our dedicated firefighters immediately took action to contain the fire and prevent further damage. Their swift intervention ensured that the fertiliser cargo was salvaged,” the statement added.
The statement, however, said that the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, urged all road users to exercise patience, adhere to safety precautions, and prioritise road safety to prevent such devastating incidents.
