One person has been killed and several others injured after a commercial bus carrying 21 passengers somersaulted and caught fire along the Oko-Olowo Expressway in Ilorin, Kwara State.

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

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said firefighters received a distress call and arrived at the scene at about 6:35 p.m., where they began rescue and firefighting operations.

Adekunle said the passengers were evacuated from the vehicle, while those injured were taken to a hospital for medical treatment. One passenger was confirmed dead.

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

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

Muhammed specifically advised motorists to regularly inspect tyres, braking systems, electrical components and other critical parts of their vehicles to reduce the risk of avoidable accidents.

He also urged motorists to exercise caution on the highways and members of the public to report emergencies promptly to the appropriate response agencies.