Petrol tanker turns Ilorin–Jebba expressway into fire zone, claims lives

A petrol tanker accident at Pasa village along the Ilorin–Jebba expressway in Kwara State has claimed two lives.

The crash occurred around 3:43 pm on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

According to a statement by Hassan Adekunle, Head of Media and Publicity at the Kwara State Fire Service, the tanker, with registration number NSR 966 ZQ, was carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) when it lost control, veered off the road, and overturned. The impact triggered a massive fire.

“Emergency crews arrived promptly and extinguished the blaze, preventing further spread to nearby traffic. Sadly, the driver and the motor boy lost their lives immediately at the scene of the accident,” the statement confirmed.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Falade Olumuyiwa, condoled with the families of the victims and cautioned tanker drivers and other motorists to maintain strict safety standards. He stressed the importance of vehicle maintenance, adherence to speed limits, avoiding night journeys, and ensuring drivers get enough rest to prevent fatigue-related accidents.

Olumuyiwa also advised motorists to always keep fire extinguishers in their vehicles and promptly report emergencies for timely response.