Tragedy struck in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Monday, when a tree fell in the Sango area of the state, killing two persons, including a woman, and injuring 10 others.
According to sources, the incident took place at around 8 am on the side of the road near a petrol station opposite Oke Adini Junction in the city.
PUNCH Metro also reported that the woman died on the spot and others were taken to a private hospital in the area by sympathizers.
It was also discovered that nearby power lines and stores were destroyed by the fallen tree.
“The deceased and injured were waiting on the roadside near a petrol station to board a commercial vehicle to various destinations when the tree fell,” the official said.
About 10 victims were rushed to a nearby hospital where they received first aid while those with serious injuries were shifted to Government Hospital and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, confirmed the incident.
Mr. Okasanmi said in his statement: “A branch fell from a tree in the Misato area this morning (Monday). Seven people were affected and hospitalized, two ultimately died, and others are still receiving treatment.
“The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Details of the investigation will be made available as soon as it is concluded.”
Meanwhile, the state government has sympathised with the families of the affected persons.
A statement by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Mariam El-Imam, and signed by the ministry`s Press Secretary, Gbenga Falade, read, “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.
“The Commissioner for Health said she was pleased that the community response was impressive, supportive and well-focused on helping the wounded and severely affected ones.
“The victims who were initially moved to nearby private hospitals were eventually evacuated to the General Hospital, Ilorin at Taiwo while the condition of the only victim who was moved to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital was described as stable and responsive to treatment.”
