Petrol Tanker Explosion Kills Two On Ilorin–Jebba Expressway

Ilorin,  Kwara State– Two people were killed on Tuesday following a petrol tanker accident at Pasa Village along the Ilorin–Jebba Expressway in Kwara State.

The incident, which occurred around 3:43 p.m., involved a tanker with registration number NSR 966 ZQ transporting 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

This is contained in a statement released on Tuesday by the Head, Media and Publicity for Director, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, stated that the vehicle reportedly lost control, veered off the road, and overturned, triggering a massive fire.

Meanwhile, emergency crews from the Kwara State Fire Service arrived swiftly at the scene and succeeded in extinguishing the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to other vehicles.

However, the driver and his assistant, popularly known as the motor boy, died instantly.

Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

He advised tanker drivers and other motorists to prioritize safety through vehicle maintenance, adherence to speed limits, adequate rest, and avoidance of night journeys.

He also encouraged motorists to carry fire extinguishers and promptly report emergencies for quick intervention.

The statement read, “At about 15:43hrs on 16 September 2025, the Kwara State Fire Service responded to a petrol tanker accident and fire at Pasa Village along the Ilorin–Jebba Expressway. The tanker with registration number NSR 966 ZQ, carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), reportedly lost control, veered off the road, and overturned, igniting a massive fire.

“Emergency crews arrived promptly and extinguished the blaze, preventing further spread to nearby traffic. Sadly, the driver and the motor boy lost their lives immediately at the scene of the accident.

“Speaking on the incident, the Director, Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa commiserated with the families of the deceased and advised all road users, particularly tanker drivers, to exercise the highest level of caution on highways. He emphasized the need for regular vehicle maintenance, strict adherence to speed limits, avoidance of night journeys where possible, and proper rest for drivers to prevent fatigue-related accidents.

“He further urged motorists to always keep fire extinguishers in their vehicles and to promptly report emergencies to the Fire Service for timely intervention.”