About two people were killed yesterday while others got injured when a tree fell on them at Oke-Andi community, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

However, the number of deaths recorded in the incident varied among the police, the state government and eyewitnesses.

While the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Okasanmi Ajayi confirmed two deaths, the state’s ministry of health said only one person died.

However, eyewitnesses in the area said three people died while the injured ones were taken to the general hospital.

One of the witnesses, Ibrahim Garba, explained that a major branch of the tree detached and fell on commuters awaiting commercial buses.
Another eyewitness, Hajia Memuna, said many people, mostly those taking shelter under the tree while awaiting commercial buses, were trapped in the accident.

But a statement by the state’s Ministry of Health signed by its press secretary, Falade Gbenga, stated that the Ministry got wind of the accident through a distress call, adding that the ministry had moved the injured ones to hospital for emergency care.

“In a swift response to distress calls received from the Oke-Andi 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 commercial buses, a team of experts were deployed to provide emergency care to the victims.”

“The tragic and fatal incident followed the unprovoked falling of a large branch of tree on passers-by, shop owners and commuters awaiting the next available vehicle,” the statement added.

The commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed, also commended the community’s response, which she said was impressive, supportive and well focused on helping the wounded and severely affected ones.

Meanwhile, the victims, who were formerly taken to nearby private hospitals have been moved to the General Hospital, Ilorin on Taiwo Road.