Five people, including two men, two women, and a toddler, tragically lost their lives in a fatal accident involving a commercial bus and a gas tanker in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday. The accident, which occurred along the Ife/Ibadan/Lagos Expressway, caused significant traffic delays and left many travelers stranded.
According to a statement from Kehinde Adeleke, the spokesman for the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a total of 17 passengers were involved in the accident. Five were confirmed dead on the scene and their bodies were deposited at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife. The gas tanker reportedly overran the commercial bus, known locally as “Sabo-Lagere,” forcing both vehicles into a ditch.
The NSCDC responded quickly after the incident was reported around 12 noon, with teams from both the Ile-Ife Zonal Command and the headquarters in Abere mobilizing to the scene. Their efforts were essential, given the highly flammable materials involved in the crash, as the tanker was carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Adeleke described the accident as both unfortunate and avoidable, urging drivers to observe speed limits and exercise more caution on the roads. He emphasized that adhering to road safety measures could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
