One dies as vehicle catches fire in Ibadan

One person has di£d after a Lexus SUV somersaulted and burst into flames at Arapaja Bridge, Kudeti area of Ibadan, on Tuesday, March 3.

The Oyo State Fire Services Agency said the incident was reported at exactly 3:44 p.m. through a telephone call by one Mr. Lateef Jayeoba, who alerted the agency to a vehicle on fire at the location.

In a statement from the agency’s headquarters, firemen led by an Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) were immediately deployed to the scene.

On arrival, officers discovered that a Lexus Jeep with registration number KSF 297 JF had reportedly lost control while in motion, somersaulted into a nearby gutter and caught fire.

The fire service said its officers swiftly moved into action and prevented the blaze from spreading to adjoining properties.

“Two male victims were recovered from the scene, while one person is alive and handed over to policemen before being conveyed to the nearest hospital,” the agency stated.

Preliminary findings attributed the accident to reckless driving.

The agency lauded operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Mapo Divisional Headquarters, for providing adequate security during the rescue operation.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform to Oyo State Governor and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr. Moroof Akinwande, urged motorists to strictly observe road safety regulations to prevent avoidable accidents.

He also stressed the importance of installing functional fire extinguishers in vehicles and homes to curb fire outbreaks at the early stage.