A tanker fire in Kwara claims the lives of 25 individuals
Tragically, a petrol tanker fire resulting from a collision claimed the lives of at least 25 individuals and left 15 others with severe injuries. The incident occurred at Peke village along the Oko-Olowo area on the Ilorin/Bode-Saadu/Jebba Expressway in Kwara State on Tuesday.
The vehicles involved in the accident were a petrol tanker bearing registration number JJN 17 XW, a heavy-duty truck, and an 18-seater bus. The collision led to a devastating fire, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries.
According to an eyewitness, the tragic incident unfolded as the petrol tanker, en route from Niger State, was traveling on the wrong side of the road, leading to a head-on collision with a heavy-duty truck originating from Lagos State.
The impact of the collision sparked a fire that quickly engulfed both vehicles. Additionally, the 18-seater bus, also on its way from Lagos, became entangled in the fiery aftermath. The rapid spread of the flames resulted in the extensive destruction of all three vehicles involved in the collision.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Stephen Dawulung, verified the incident to PUNCH Metro on Wednesday. While he committed to providing more detailed information later, he mentioned that some of the bodies retrieved from the accident site had already been laid to rest by their respective families.
This emphasizes the urgency and severity of the situation, prompting families to take immediate measures in the wake of this tragic event.
The Kwara State Director of Fire Service, Mr. John Falade, corroborated the incident, stating that fire personnel swiftly reacted to a fire outbreak at Peke village around 3:18 pm on Tuesday.
Providing more details, he mentioned, “On November 28, 2023, at approximately 15:18 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service promptly responded to a fire incident at Peke village along Oko-Olowo Bode-Saadu Expressway in the Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.”
The timely response by the fire service indicates their efforts to address the emergency and mitigate the impact of the unfortunate accident.
“The firefighters made diligent efforts to extinguish the raging inferno; however, regrettably, 25 lives were lost, and approximately 15 individuals were rescued with injuries,” lamented Mr. John Falade. He conveyed profound sadness over the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of numerous lives and underscored the importance of road users prioritizing safe driving practices.
Furthermore, he issued a stern warning to drivers and other road users, urging them to consistently adhere to safety measures while navigating the roads. This emphasizes the critical role that responsible driving plays in preventing such devastating accidents and ensuring the safety of all commuters on the road.
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CREDIT: punchng