One person was confirmed dead while several others sustained injuries after a commercial bus conveying 21 passengers somersaulted and caught fire along the Oko-Olowo Expressway in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Sunday.

The PUNCH gathered that the accident occurred around Iye-Maja Junction after the bus, with registration number DTH840SA, reportedly developed a punctured tyre while in motion, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, the Service said it received a distress call about the accident and mobilised to the scene.

The Service said its firefighters arrived at the scene at about 6:35 pm and immediately commenced emergency operations.

“The passengers were evacuated from the vehicle, with those who sustained injuries taken to the hospital for medical attention,” it said.

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The Service confirmed that one person died in the crash. It also expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

The Chief Fire Officer in the state, Alabi Muhammed, also commiserated with the family of the deceased.

He urged motorists, particularly commercial vehicle operators, to ensure that their vehicles were properly maintained and roadworthy before embarking on journeys.

He said motorists should pay particular attention to critical components of their vehicles to reduce the risk of avoidable accidents.

“The importance of regular inspection of tyres, braking systems, electrical components and other critical parts of vehicles cannot be overemphasised,” Muhammed said.

He added that early detection of faults could help prevent serious road emergencies, advising motorists to exercise caution while driving on the highways.

He urged members of the public to promptly report emergencies to the appropriate response agencies whenever they occurred.

The Kwara State Fire Service said it remained committed to responding promptly to emergencies and protecting lives and property across the state.