From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
One person has died after a commercial bus carrying 21 passengers somersaulted and burst into flames along the Oko-Olowo Expressway, Iye-Maja Junction, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The accident occurred recently when the bus, with registration number DTH840SA, reportedly suffered a tyre puncture while in motion, causing the driver to lose control before the vehicle somersaulted and caught fire.
The Kwara State Fire Service received a distress call and arrived at the scene at about 6:35 p.m., where its personnel immediately commenced rescue operations.
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According to a statement signed by the Fire Service Public Relations Officer, PFO Hassan Adekunle, the passengers were evacuated from the burning vehicle, while those injured were taken to hospital for medical attention.
One passenger was, however, confirmed dead in the incident.
The Chief Fire Officer, Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, commiserated with the family of the deceased and urged motorists, especially commercial vehicle operators, to ensure their vehicles were properly maintained and roadworthy before embarking on journeys.
Alabi stressed the importance of regular checks on tyres, braking systems, electrical components and other critical parts of vehicles.
He said early detection of mechanical faults could prevent serious road emergencies, while advising motorists to exercise caution on highways and promptly report emergencies to relevant response agencies.
The Fire Service expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery.
