Panic erupted among motorists and residents along Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday after a gas-laden Toyota Sienna bus suffered brake failure and crashed into three vehicles.
The accident occurred around 5pm near the Stadium Complex Gate, in front of Bekki & Sons Ltd, forcing emergency responders to temporarily restrict movement along the affected section of the busy road.
The Sienna bus, with registration number LEM 95 XB, was reportedly carrying 23 gas cylinders and six drums of carbide when the driver lost control following brake failure.
The crash involved a Toyota Avensis, a commercial tricycle and a motorcycle.
According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the driver reportedly attempted to stop the Sienna by manoeuvring towards the road divider after discovering that the brakes had failed.
The manoeuvre, however, proved unsuccessful as the vehicle crossed into the opposite lane, overturned and collided with the tricycle, motorcycle and Toyota Avensis.
The driver of the Sienna sustained injuries in the crash.
The other vehicles involved were a tricycle with registration number SHA 503 VD, Toyota Avensis with registration number SMK 530 JB, and a motorcycle with registration number ARP 405 VE.
The situation sparked anxiety at the scene because of the large quantity of hazardous materials being transported by the overturned bus.
Concern was heightened further by petroleum reportedly leaking from one of the vehicles, raising fears of a possible fire outbreak.
The Kwara State Fire Service said the combination of gas cylinders, carbide and petroleum leakage constituted a serious potential fire and safety hazard.
In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, the agency said its personnel immediately moved in to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.
“According to information gathered at the scene, the accident was caused by brake failure experienced by the gas-laden Toyota Sienna,” the statement said.
The firefighters successfully secured the area, managed the petroleum leakage and neutralised the immediate danger posed by the hazardous materials.
The fire service had earlier advised motorists to avoid the affected section of Ibrahim Taiwo Road while the emergency operation was underway.
Motorists coming from Baboko, Surulere, Adewole and adjoining areas were directed to use alternative routes during the operation.
Other road users were also urged to slow down, exercise extreme caution and obey instructions from emergency personnel, while passersby and onlookers were warned against getting close to the crash scene.
After completing the operation, the fire service announced that the affected portion of the road had been declared safe and motorable.
“Following the successful completion of our operations, the road has now been confirmed safe and motorable, and motorists can proceed through the area while exercising caution and adhering to necessary safety measures,” Adekunle stated.
The Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, commended the firefighters for their prompt response and professional handling of the incident, saying their intervention helped avert a potentially more serious emergency.
The fire service subsequently advised operators transporting inflammable and hazardous materials to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and roadworthy before embarking on journeys.
It also appealed to motorists and members of the public to cooperate with emergency responders whenever accidents or other emergencies occur.
