ILORIN, NIGERIA — A multiple-vehicle collision involving a pickup truck loaded with 50kg cooking gas cylinders has triggered an emergency shutdown on Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Ilorin, Kwara State, after flammable materials spilled across the highway, prompting the Kwara State Fire Service to issue an urgent advisory to motorists .
The accident occurred around 5:30 pm on Wednesday near the Stadium Complex Gate and involved a pickup truck carrying gas cylinders, a Lexus car, a Siena bus, and a commercial tricycle . The impact overturned the pickup truck, spilling both gas cylinders and petroleum products onto the roadway, creating a potentially explosive situation that raised fears of a possible fire or explosion .
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, the Kwara State Fire Service confirmed that personnel had been deployed to the scene to contain the situation and prevent any escalation . “Given the highly inflammable nature of these products, the situation poses a potential safety risk to motorists, pedestrians and other road users,” Adekunle said .
Emergency Advisory and Diversions
The fire service advised motorists coming from Baboko, Surulere, Adewole, and adjoining areas to avoid the affected section of Ibrahim Taiwo Road and use alternative routes until the danger was brought under control . Motorists using the opposite side of the road were also urged to slow down, exercise extreme caution, and comply with instructions from emergency personnel .
Photographs from the scene showed the gas-laden pickup lying on its side across the road, while petroleum was visible on the wet surface around the overturned vehicle . Emergency personnel were seen attending to the overturned pickup and securing the area around the gas cylinders .
Public Safety Warning
The fire service strongly advised passersby, onlookers, and members of the public to keep away from the crash scene, warning that unnecessary gatherings could obstruct emergency operations and expose people to avoidable risks . “Members of the public, passersby and onlookers are strongly advised to keep away from the scene and proceed to their respective destinations,” the agency said .
The agency said it would issue a further update once the area had been cleared and confirmed safe for normal traffic .
