On Friday, February 28, 2025, a tragic accident occurred along the Oko-Olowo-Jebba Expressway in Kwara State, resulting in the death of a tanker driver. The incident involved a petrol tanker carrying 33,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and an articulated truck loaded with fertilizer.
Details of the Accident
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Time and Location: The accident took place at approximately 9:24 a.m. at Iyemaja village, near Oko-Olowo, along the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway.
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Circumstances: Preliminary investigations suggest that the articulated truck attempted to overtake the petrol tanker. During this maneuver, it struck the rear of the tanker, leading to a fuel spill that ignited a fire. Tragically, the driver of the articulated truck was trapped and lost his life in the ensuing blaze.
Emergency Response
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Fire Service Intervention: The Kwara State Fire Service responded promptly to the distress call. Firefighters acted swiftly to contain the fire, preventing further damage and successfully salvaging the fertilizer cargo.
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Casualties: The driver of the articulated truck, identified as Wasiu, perished in the incident. There were no reports of additional casualties.
Safety Advisory
In the aftermath of the incident, Hassan Adekunle, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Kwara State Fire Service, urged all road users to exercise patience, adhere to safety precautions, and prioritize road safety to prevent such devastating incidents.
Similar Incidents
This tragic event is reminiscent of a recent tanker explosion in Enugu State, which claimed 18 lives and left several others injured. On January 25, 2025, a fuel-laden tanker lost control while descending a hill at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. The tanker collided with a water truck, triggering an explosion that engulfed 17 vehicles, including a petrol tanker, a water tanker, 15 cars, and a tricycle.
Preventive Measures
To mitigate the occurrence of such tragic incidents, the following measures are recommended:
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Adherence to Traffic Regulations: Drivers should strictly follow traffic rules, especially when overtaking on highways.
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Vehicle Maintenance: Regular maintenance checks are essential to ensure the roadworthiness of vehicles, particularly those transporting hazardous materials.
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Driver Training: Comprehensive training programs for drivers of heavy-duty vehicles can enhance their skills and knowledge, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
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Emergency Preparedness: Equipping vehicles with basic firefighting equipment and training drivers in emergency response can help manage situations before they escalate.
Conclusion
The fatal accident on the Oko-Olowo-Jebba Expressway underscores the critical importance of road safety and adherence to traffic regulations. It serves as a somber reminder for all road users to exercise caution, prioritize safety, and remain vigilant to prevent future tragedies.
