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

PUNCH Metro gathered that the accident occurred around Iye-Maja Junction after the bus, with registration number DTH840SA, reportedly suffered a tyre puncture while in motion, causing the driver to lose control.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said the agency received a distress call and immediately mobilised to the scene.

Adekunle said firefighters arrived at about 6:35pm and commenced rescue and firefighting operations.

According to him, the vehicle somersaulted before catching fire.

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

The Fire Service confirmed that one person died in the crash.

The Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

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

He stressed the need for motorists to 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,” he said.

The chief fire officer added that early detection of faults could help prevent serious road emergencies, urging motorists to exercise caution while driving on the highways.

He also urged members of the public to promptly report emergencies to the appropriate response agencies.

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