Gas-Laden Sienna Vehicle Crashes In Ilorin
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
A gas-laden Toyota Sienna conveying 23 cylinders and six drums of carbide on Wednesday crashed along Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Ilorin, after the driver reportedly lost control following brake failure.
The incident, which occurred near the Stadium Complex Gate and frontage of Bekki & Sons Ltd., involved the Sienna, with registration number LEM 95 XB, a tricycle marked SHA 503 VD, a Toyota Avensis with registration number SMK 530 JB and a motorcycle bearing registration number ARP 405 VE.
The Sienna driver was injured in the crash, which occurred when he reportedly attempted to steer towards the road divider to bring the vehicle to a stop.
The manoeuvre, however, went awry as the vehicle crossed into the opposite lane, fell on its side and collided with the tricycle, motorcycle and Toyota Avensis.
The crash triggered concern because of the 23 gas cylinders and six drums of carbide being transported by the Sienna, while petroleum was also reportedly leaking from one of the vehicles involved, raising fears of a possible fire outbreak.
The Kwara State Fire Service said its men responded promptly to the scene and prevented the hazardous materials from escalating the situation.
According to the Service’s spokesperson and Head of Media Unit, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the emergency response team secured the area, managed the petroleum leakage and took measures to avert any potential danger from the gas cylinders and carbide.
“The situation was particularly critical due to the nature of the materials being conveyed by the Sienna, coupled with petroleum dripping from one of the vehicles involved in the accident,” Adekunle said.
He explained that the temporary restriction imposed on motorists along the affected portion of Ibrahim Taiwo Road was necessary to enable firefighters to safely conduct emergency operations and protect other road users.
Adekunle added that following the completion of the operation, the affected section of the road had been declared safe and motorable, urging motorists to pass through the area with caution.
The Chief Fire Officer, Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, commended the firefighters for their prompt response and professional handling of the incident.
Alabi said the timely intervention of the firefighters helped prevent the crash from developing into a more serious emergency.
The Fire Service consequently advised motorists conveying inflammable or other hazardous materials to ensure that their vehicles were properly maintained and roadworthy before embarking on journeys.
“Safety remains our priority, and we encourage all road users to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency personnel whenever incidents occur,” the Service said.
