Tension gripped motorists and residents along Ilorin's busy Ibrahim Taiwo Road on Wednesday evening when a Toyota Sienna bus carrying a dangerous load suffered brake failure and crashed.
The incident, which happened around 5 pm near the Stadium Complex Gate, involved the gas-laden Sienna, a Toyota Avensis car, a commercial tricycle, and a motorcycle. The Sienna, registered as LEM 95 XB, was carrying 23 gas cylinders and six drums of carbide when its brakes reportedly failed.
In a desperate bid to stop, the driver swerved towards the road divider. Yet, the vehicle crossed into the opposite lane, flipped on its side, and collided with the other vehicles. The driver sustained injuries in the crash, according to the Kwara State Fire Service.
The presence of the hazardous materials, coupled with reports of petroleum leaking from one of the vehicles, sent waves of panic through the area. A fire outbreak was a real and immediate concern.
The Kwara State Fire Service was on the scene quickly. Public Relations Officer Hassan Adekunle stated that their firefighters immediately worked to secure the area, managing the hazardous materials and the petroleum leak. The combination of gas cylinders, carbide, and leaking fuel presented a serious fire and safety hazard that could have easily escalated.
Firefighters had to manage the unique challenge posed by the overturned Sienna, which was packed with 23 gas cylinders and six drums of carbide. Their prompt intervention successfully averted the danger posed by these volatile substances.
The fire service issued an emergency advisory, urging motorists to avoid the affected stretch of Ibrahim Taiwo Road. Those coming from Baboko, Surulere, Adewole, and nearby areas were directed to use alternative routes while emergency operations were underway. This temporary restriction was crucial to allow firefighters to work safely and protect everyone from the potential danger.
Motorists on the other side of the road were asked to slow down and exercise extreme caution, obeying instructions from emergency personnel. Onlookers were also advised to stay clear to avoid obstructing the operations or putting themselves in harm's way.
Later, the fire service confirmed the successful completion of their operations and declared the road safe and motorable again. Chief Fire Officer Alabi Muhammed commended his team for their professional and timely response, which prevented a potentially catastrophic situation given the nature and quantity of the materials on board.
The incident serves as a stark reminder. The fire service urged all operators of vehicles carrying inflammable and hazardous materials to ensure their vehicles are in top condition and roadworthy before setting out. Proper maintenance, they stressed, is vital to prevent disasters like this one.