Tragedy struck on Monday morning in the Sango area of Ilorin, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State when a big tree suddenly fell and killed two persons and injured 10 others.
The incident was said to have happened about 8 am in the Sango area by the roadside near Baystar Petrol Station, opposite the Oke Adini junction of the town.
The Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin confirmed on Monday that two persons have died of injuries sustained from a fallen tree along the Zango-Kulende road in the state capital.
According to SP Okasanmi Ajayi, the spokesperson of the state police command: “A branch fell off a tree in Zango. Seven persons affected were rushed to the hospital. Two eventually died; others are still undergoing treatment.”
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The injured persons were rushed to a private hospital behind Baystar petrol station, while those with serious conditions were transferred to the General Hospital and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Oke-Oyi.
Okasanmi said an investigation into the case is ongoing and the details will be made available as soon as possible.
It was further gathered that efforts were immediately put in place to ensure the safety of people in the area as saw millers were engaged to clear the fallen tree and the others standing side it.
Kwara State Government in a sympathy message said that it had directed that the victims of the accident be taken to the state general hospital for treatment.
A statement by the Commissioner of Health, Dr Mariam El-Imam, and signed by Press Secretary of the Ministry, Gbenga Falade said, “The tragic and fatal incident followed the unprovoked falling of a large branch of a tree on passers-by, shop owners and commuters awaiting the next available vehicle.
“In a swift response to distress calls received from the Oke-Andi (Oke-Adini) community following the unfortunate falling of a major tree branch on unsuspecting members of the community using the base of the tree as stalls and commuters awaiting the next bus, a team of experts were deployed from the state Ministry of Health to provide emergency care to the victims.
“The team of experts led by the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Dr. Stephen Arigidi, was warmly received at the site of the incident by the duo of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam and the Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman; who had arrived earlier at the scene of the incident,” part of the statement read.
The Commissioner further assured the public of the government’s continued commitment to their well-being while praying for the speedy recovery of all the affected victims.
