Fire Risk Forces Road Closure After Gas Truck Collision in Ilorin

A pickup truck carrying 50kg cooking gas cylinders overturned during a multiple-vehicle collision in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday evening.

The accident occurred at about 5:30pm near the Stadium Complex Gate along Ibrahim Taiwo Road.

A Lexus car, Siena bus and commercial tricycle were also involved in the crash.

The collision left inflammable materials on the highway and triggered an emergency response by the Kwara State Fire Service.

The agency advised motorists coming from Baboko, Surulere, Adewole and surrounding areas to avoid the affected section of the road.

It recommended alternative routes until emergency personnel had completed their operation and confirmed that the area was safe.

According to the fire service, the presence of gas cylinders and leaked petroleum created a potential safety risk.

Hassan Adekunle, the agency’s Public Relations Officer, said the inflammable materials could endanger motorists, pedestrians and other road users.

Fire service personnel were deployed to contain the situation and prevent further danger.

Photographs from the scene showed the gas-carrying pickup overturned on its side across the road.

Other vehicles involved in the crash were also visible around the location.

Petroleum was seen spread across the wet surface of the road, adding to the concerns at the scene.

The fire service urged motorists travelling on the opposite side to slow down and exercise extreme caution.

Drivers were also directed to obey instructions from emergency responders.

Members of the public were warned to stay away from the accident scene.

The agency said onlookers could obstruct emergency operations and expose themselves to avoidable danger.

The fire service said another update would be issued after the affected area had been cleared and declared safe.

Until that confirmation, motorists were advised to avoid the location.

The incident caused temporary disruption to traffic along Ibrahim Taiwo Road as emergency responders worked to secure the scene.

The presence of cooking gas cylinders meant that emergency personnel had to carefully manage the area and keep road users away from the potential hazard.

The fire service’s intervention was aimed at preventing any escalation while restoring safe movement along the road.

Motorists were urged to remain patient, use alternative routes and follow official instructions until the emergency operation was concluded.