Bus crashes into Ilorin market, no casualties reported

Panic hit traders, commuters, and drivers at the busy Challenge Market in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Saturday. A commercial bus lost its brakes and crashed into a shop in the market.

The 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus reportedly swerved off the road after the driver lost control. It smashed through a concrete barrier before stopping inside the market. Thankfully, no one died in the accident.

Eyewitnesses told our reporter that the driver shouted for help after realizing the vehicle had brake failure. He waved his hands to alert other road users and officials of the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority (KWARTMA) at the junction.

An eyewitness, Rasaq Adio, said, "The driver kept shouting that the brakes had failed while waving to everyone to clear the road. The KWARTMA officials quickly understood what was happening and immediately began directing people away from the junction."

Another eyewitness, Tajudeen Alata, praised the quick action of the traffic officials. He said their response helped avoid a serious accident at one of Ilorin’s busiest intersections.

“The officials cleared the junction within a short time. If they had not acted quickly, the bus would have rammed into several vehicles and pedestrians because the place was crowded.

“Unable to stop the vehicle, the bus crashed into the concrete barricade at the Challenge intersection. The impact forced it through the barrier before it eventually slammed into a shop located inside the adjoining market."

Authorities at the scene confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident. Traffic officials and local residents later worked to remove the wreckage from the market area and restore traffic flow at the busy junction.