By Ayorinde Taiwo (SIWES student, Gateway Poly Saapade)
A devastating accident on the Ilorin/Bode-Saadu/Jebba Expressway in Kwara State took the lives of 25 individuals, with 15 sustaining severe injuries, following a petrol tanker explosion at Peke village.
The collision involved a tanker from Niger State, a heavy-duty truck from Lagos State, and an 18-seater bus.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the tanker, traveling from Niger State, collided head-on with the Lagos-bound truck after driving on the wrong side of the road. The impact sparked a fierce fire, engulfing both vehicles and the accompanying 18-seater bus.
Mr. Stephen Dawulung, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that detailed information would be provided later.
Some recovered corpses have already been laid to rest by their grieving relatives.
The Kwara State Director of Fire Service, Mr. John Falade, also verified the incident, noting the diligent response of firemen to the blaze at Peke village around 3:18 pm on November 28, 2023.
Despite their efforts, 25 lives were lost, and 15 people were rescued with injuries.
Expressing deep sorrow, Falade emphasized the importance of safe driving practices and urged road users to consistently adhere to safety measures to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.
