At least 20 people were feared killed after a truck crashed into a crowded market in Nigeria's southern state of Ekiti late Saturday, local officials and witnesses said Sunday.

Axar.az reports citing Xinhua.

The driver of the truck, laden with bags of rice, lost control and the vehicle crashed into the Iworoko main market, according to Caleb Ikechukwu, spokesperson for the police in Ekiti.

Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that at least 20 dead bodies were evacuated from the scene by rescue crew.

One witness identified as Bisi Ayedun said 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.

Local police said an investigation has been launched into the crash.