Two persons were crushed to death after a water tanker with registration number, XH527KTU, crashed into a taxi in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The accident occurred near the NNPC Mega Station at the Asa-Dam area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

It was gathered that the yet-to-be identified driver of the taxi marked, LFF 475 XA, and a passenger, identified only as Alhaji Saka, died in the accident, while three other passengers, who occupied the back seat, sustained injuries.

The injured passengers were identified as Alhaji Lamidi, Mrs. Ambibola Jimoh and her son, Olohuntoyin.

The Punch correspondent learnt that Saka and the injured passengers had come for the funeral prayer of one Alhaji Atunde in the area and were returning to their homes in Erinle.

The incident, it was said, happened shortly after the four passengers boarded the cab.

UNCH Metro learnt that the tanker driver was coming from an adjoining road that linked the highway when the tanker's brake failed and rammed into the car from behind. The tanker driver reportedly fled the scene.

Eyewitnesses, who spoke with Punch correspondents, said the victims had been taken to Garin Alimi Hospital, adding that policemen from Adewole Police Division had evacuated the tanker.

An eyewitness, Alhaji Sule Jimoh, said the tanker was coming from the Egbejila area of Asa-Dam, after it had been filled with water for sale to an unnamed client.

He said, "The tanker was coming from the Egbejila area. The driver lost control of the tanker because of a brake failure.

"There was a taxi that was going towards the Offa Garage area. The tanker fell on the taxi."

Another witness, Isiaq Abdulrasaq, said it took about 10 minutes before the cab could be moved from under the truck.

He said, "It happened around 3pm. The brake of the tanker failed and it rammed into the cab. It squeezed the taxi to the median and rested on it. A tipper driver used his vehicle to lift the truck and we all rescued the victims.

"The driver and an elderly man sitting beside him died, but the three passengers at the back were lucky, particularly one woman and her son. They have been taken to Garin Alimi Hospital."

At the hospital, a nurse, who declined to give her name, said the accident victims were indeed brought to the facility.

"We are attending to three victims and their conditions are much better now. The two corpses have been taken to a mortuary," she said.

Jimoh's step-son, Bolakale, said she was getting fine, adding that it was by God’s grace that his family members survived.

"She is getting better now. I was in the office when I received a call that she and my step-brother had an accident. The accident happened a few kilometres away from our house. Their injuries are internal."

Lamidi had also become stable when Punch correspondents visited him at ward V2. It was learnt that the 85-year-old man had yet to be informed about his friend's death.

Fourteen-year-old Olohuntoyin, who was limping, told PUNCH Metro about his experience.

He said, "My mum and I were going to shop. Suddenly the tanker hit our car. I forced myself out through the driver's side."

One Alfa Tajudeen, a son of late Atunde, also lamented Alhaji Saka's death.

"He was a friend to my father. I called him on Tuesday that his friend died and the fidau (funeral) prayer would hold today (Wednesday). I personally served him food during the prayer. It was sad he died in such circumstance," he said.

When contacted, the Kwara State Police spokesperson, ASP Ajayi Okasanmi, promised to get back to Punch correspondent. He had, however, yet to do so as of press time.

However, a police source showed the tanker to Punch correspondent, who visited the Adewole division.

"The driver is still at large, but his colleagues have shown up and they have promised to foot the hospital bills of the victims," he added.

The Kwara State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mrs. Mary Wakawa, confirmed the accident on the telephone.