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A commercial bus lost its brakes and careened into a busy Challenge Market in Ilorin, Kwara State, causing panic among traders, commuters, and motorists.

The 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus was said to have veered off the road after the driver lost control of the vehicle, smashing through a concrete barricade before coming to a halt inside the market.

No fatalities were recorded in the incident.

Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that after discovering the vehicle had developed brake failure, the driver repeatedly shouted for help and waved frantically to alert road users and operatives of the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority stationed at the junction.

The bus driver yelled, ‘The brakes have failed, I need help!’ and started waving his hands wildly to alert people and traffic officials to clear the road.

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.”

Prompt intervention from the traffic officials prevented what could have been a devastating accident at one of Ilorin's busiest intersections.

Another eyewitness, Tajudeen Alata, said the swift response of the traffic officials helped to avert a catastrophe at the crowded junction.

“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,” he said.

Authorities at the scene confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident, while traffic officials and residents later commenced efforts to remove the wreckage from the market area and restore the free flow of traffic at the busy junction.

The incident has highlighted the need for increased vigilance among drivers and the importance of regular vehicle maintenance.

According to eyewitnesses, the bus driver had apparently failed to heed warning signs of brake failure before the accident occurred.

The incident also raised concerns about the safety of road users and the need for authorities to enforce stricter regulations on vehicle maintenance and road safety.

Key Facts

  • The accident occurred at the Challenge Market in Ilorin, Kwara State.
  • The 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus had developed brake failure before losing control and crashing into the market.
  • No lives were lost in the incident.
  • Traffic officials were on the scene within minutes and helped to avert a potentially disastrous accident.
  • The authorities have since commenced efforts to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow at the busy junction.