Tragedy struck on Friday morning in Ilorin, Kwara State, when a commercial truck reportedly suffered a brake failure and crushed a pedestrian to death, damaging at least five vehicles in the process.
The fatal incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. at the busy Offa Garage Roundabout, along the Ilorin–Ajase-Ipo highway.
The ill-fated vehicle, a Mitsubishi Canter truck with registration number SMK 801 XT, was said to be conveying gallons of palm oil when the driver lost control due to a brake malfunction. Eyewitnesses recounted how the truck veered off the road, ramming into the AP Filling Station near the roundabout, spilling its contents and causing substantial damage to multiple parked vehicles.
Emergency responders from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority (KWARTMA) were quickly deployed to the scene to control traffic and attend to victims.
Confirming the incident, KWARTMA Public Relations Officer, Gani Olawoye, said the pedestrian who lost their life had been evacuated, while the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. The damaged vehicles were towed to the agency’s office for further investigation.
Olawoye further disclosed that the agency’s Acting General Manager, Engr Michael Bamidele, has called on truck operators and commercial drivers to ensure proper vehicle maintenance and routine checks to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
“We urge all motorists, especially truck drivers, to prioritize routine maintenance and proper functioning of their vehicles before getting on the road. This is vital to avoid needless loss of lives and property,” Olawoye said.
In a related development, KWARTMA has also directed all roadside beggars and hawkers around the Offa Garage axis to vacate the area as part of efforts to decongest the roundabout and enhance safety.
The Friday crash adds to growing concerns over road safety across Nigeria, particularly involving heavy-duty vehicles operating under poor mechanical conditions.
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