Two Feared Dead As Tree Fell on Shop, Passers-by in Ilorin

Two persons were feared dead when a branch of a big tree fell on passers-by, shop owners and commuters awaiting commercial vehicles at Oke Andi, Sango area in Ilorin, Kwara state capital.

Our Correspondent gathered that the incident, which happened early Monday morning, affected seven persons who sustained varying degrees of injury.

One of the eyewitnesses said that victims, who were initially moved to nearby private hospitals were eventually evacuated to the General Hospital, Ilorin located on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, adding that the condition of another victim, who was moved to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), was stable and responding to treatment.

It was also gathered that members of the community use the base of the tree as stalls, while commuters also use it as a spot to board commercial vehicles.

In a statement by the Health Commissioner, issued by the press secretary of the ministry, Falade Gbenga, Dr El-lmam commiserated with the community members, assuring the public of the government’s continued commitment to their well-being while praying for the speedy recovery of all the affected victims.

It said a team of experts were deployed from the state Ministry of Health to provide emergency care to the victims.

“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 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 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.

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 Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Okasanmi Ajayi and the state commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, confirmed the story. However, the governor’s aide confirmed that one person died.

“Seven persons were affected and rushed to the hospital. Two eventually died and others are still undergoing treatment. Investigation into the case is ongoing. Details of the investigation would be made available as soon as it is concluded”, the Police spokesperson said.

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