A late-night fire on Wednesday destroyed a vehicle at E-Phoenix Hotel, Tanke Junction, in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, with authorities suspecting an electrical fault as the cause.
The Kwara State Fire Service said its operatives swiftly contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other vehicles and parts of the hotel.
Speaking on the incident, the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, said firefighters responded to a distress call at about 11:38pm on April 29, 2026.
According to him, the fire involved a Honda Accord with registration number DTH 753 AA, with the flames largely confined to the engine compartment before being extinguished.
He added that the emergency team brought the situation under control by about 12:15am, averting further damage within the premises.
Adekunle explained that preliminary investigations pointed to a possible spark from the vehicle’s wiring system, which ignited combustible materials in the engine area.
Reacting, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, urged motorists to prioritise routine vehicle maintenance, particularly electrical components, to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks.
He warned against makeshift repairs and advised car owners to promptly address faulty wiring, especially in ageing vehicles.
Muhammed also encouraged motorists to keep basic firefighting tools, including portable extinguishers, in their vehicles for early response in emergencies.
The fire service reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that prompt response remains crucial in minimising losses during fire incidents.
The latest incident adds to a string of recent fire outbreaks in Kwara State, including a March inferno that destroyed three container shops at Eyenkorin Roundabout in Asa Local Government Area, as well as another blaze on April 11 that affected a shop along Pakata Road in Ilorin.