Multiple passengers burnt alive as fuel tanker explodes in Ilorin

A tragic fuel tanker explosion in Ilorin, Kwara State, has claimed multiple lives, leaving several passengers trapped in burning vehicles.

The incident occurred on Friday morning at the Iyemanja community along the expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin. Witnesses reported that the fire quickly engulfed nearby vehicles, with victims unable to escape the flames.

According to a live video shared on Facebook by Orioye Chanter Ijobaibile, desperate cries for help could be heard as the fire raged on. “People are inside the cars, and it is burning. More fuel trucks are passing by, and it’s dangerous. They could catch fire too. We are waiting for security to arrive and stop them,” he said.

As of the latest reports, emergency responders had yet to arrive at the scene, raising concerns about the spread of the fire and the risk of further casualties.

This tragedy adds to Nigeria’s growing list of fuel tanker explosions. Just weeks ago, a similar disaster in Niger State resulted in multiple fatalities when a tanker burst into flames on a busy highway. In January, another explosion near Suleja claimed at least 98 lives after individuals attempted to siphon fuel from a crashed tanker, igniting a catastrophic fire.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the Ilorin explosion, and the full extent of casualties remains unknown.