Deadly Blaze on Ilorin-Jebba Road: Kwara Mourns Petrol Tanker Tragedy

Inferno on the Highway: Petrol Tanker Crash Claims Lives in Kwara State

A tragic accident unfolded on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 16, 2025, along the Ilorin, Jebba expressway in Kwara State, when a petrol tanker lost control and ignited into flames, claiming the lives of two individuals.

The incident occurred at Pasa village, a stretch notorious for heavy vehicular traffic and frequent accidents. According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the tanker, bearing registration number NSR 966 ZQ, was transporting 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and overturn. The impact triggered a massive fire that engulfed the vehicle within moments.

Emergency response teams arrived promptly at the scene and managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby vehicles and infrastructure.

Despite their swift intervention, the driver and his assistant, commonly referred to as the motor boy, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies were recovered from the wreckage, and the fire was eventually extinguished after a coordinated effort by the fire service and other emergency personnel.

In a statement issued by Hassan Adekunle, Head of Media and Publicity for the Kwara State Fire Service, the agency expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased.

Director of Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, emphasized the importance of road safety, particularly for drivers of heavy-duty vehicles transporting hazardous materials. He urged motorists to adhere strictly to speed limits, ensure regular vehicle maintenance, and avoid night journeys when possible. He also highlighted the need for drivers to rest adequately to prevent fatigue-related mishaps and encouraged all road users to equip their vehicles with fire extinguishers and report emergencies promptly.

The accident has reignited public concern over the safety of Nigeria’s highways, especially those frequented by fuel-laden tankers.

As investigations continue into the exact cause of the crash, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by poor road conditions, driver fatigue, and inadequate safety measures. The loss of life on the Ilorin, Jebba expressway casts a somber shadow over Kwara State, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement of transport regulations and improved emergency response infrastructure.