The Oyo State Fire Service has confirmed the death of one person in a lone auto crash involving a Lexus Jeep that somersaulted and burst into flames at Arapaja Bridge in the Kudeti area of Ibadan yesterday.

The agency said the incident was reported at 3:44 p.m. through a telephone call by Mr Lateef Jayeoba, who alerted officials to a vehicle on fire at the location.

In a statement issued from the agency’s headquarters, it said firefighters led by an Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent 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.

Firefighters quickly contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to adjoining properties.

“Two male victims were found in the vehicle. One died while the other survived and was handed over to the police before being conveyed to the nearest hospital,” the agency stated.

Preliminary findings attributed the accident to reckless driving.

The fire service commended operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from the Mapo Divisional Headquarters for providing security during the rescue operation.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform to the Oyo State Governor and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, 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 help contain fire outbreaks at an early stage.

Akinwande further urged members of the public to remain safety-conscious in their daily activities and to promptly contact the fire service with accurate location details during emergencies.