ABUJA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Local authorities in Nigeria on Monday confirmed 14 people have been killed after a truck crashed into a crowded market in the country's southwestern state of Ekiti.

Five others sustained injuries in the Saturday accident which also involved two mini-buses at Iworoko main market of Ekiti, said Kugu Ismaila, a sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in the state.

Ismaila said a preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the truck lost control of his vehicle and rammed into the busy market.

A witness identified as Bisi Ayedun earlier told Xinhua the victims were mostly buyers and sellers on the outer part of the market.

"The market is always open till late night. Many sellers always display their wares on the roadside to attract customers. The truck was on top speed when it lost control. Most of the victims were people shopping by the roadside," Ayedun said.

The road safety police described the incident as "the most fatal accident recorded in the new year and recent times." Enditem

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