Truck kills pedestrian, damages five vehicles in Ilorin

Tragedy struck on Friday morning at the Offa Garage Roundabout in Ilorin, Kwara State, when a commercial truck suffered brake failure, killing a pedestrian and causing extensive damage.

The accident, which occurred at about 8:00 a.m. along the Ilorin–Ajase Ipo highway, involved a Mitsubishi Canter truck (registration number SMK 801 XT) loaded with gallons of palm oil. According to eyewitnesses, the blue and green truck veered off the road, crashed into the AP Filling Station near the roundabout, and spilled its contents.

The impact was devastating—one fuel pump was uprooted and another severely damaged. Five vehicles were wrecked in the incident, while two male victims sustained injuries. The pedestrian, who died on the spot, was later evacuated by authorities. The truck driver, identified as Nasiru, escaped the crash without injuries.

Personnel from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) responded promptly but directed media inquiries to the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority (KWARTMA).

Confirming the incident, KWARTMA Public Relations Officer, Gani Olawoye, said the injured victims were rushed to the hospital, and the damaged vehicles were towed to the agency’s office.

He emphasized the need for proper vehicle maintenance, especially among truck operators, to avoid similar tragedies.

KWARTMA’s Acting General Manager, Engr. Michael Bamidele, also called for increased caution on the roads and announced that, as a safety measure, all beggars around the Offa Garage axis have been ordered to vacate the area.

The incident has further underscored concerns about road safety and vehicle maintenance in the state.