Tragedy struck on Wednesday night in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, when a Dangote Cement-laden truck lost control and crushed eight people to death, including a pregnant woman, her child, and six others.

The ghastly accident occurred around 8:00 p.m., just a few metres from the main gate of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) and the Holy Trinity Church in the bustling university community.

Eyewitnesses said the truck, which was en route from Obajana, Kogi State, reportedly suffered brake failure before veering off course and ramming into traders and pedestrians along the busy road.

According to accounts, the articulated vehicle, belonging to Dangote Cement, crushed several roadside traders, students, and passersby, leaving many others injured and causing panic in the area.

Enraged residents and sympathisers quickly gathered at the scene, blaming the tragedy on the removal of a barricade that had previously been erected to restrict heavy-duty trucks from entering the community.

One resident claimed that the barricade had been compromised by local youths, who allegedly extorted truck drivers. “Some boys in the community had been collecting N10,000 from truck drivers before allowing them to pass through. The government turned a blind eye,” the source alleged.

The accident rekindled painful memories of similar incidents in Akungba-Akoko, where fatal truck crashes have claimed numerous lives over the years, especially around the university gate.

Confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, Mr. Ibitoye, said eight persons lost their lives in the crash.

“The deceased persons include five males, two females, and one child. The truck ran into a barricade in front of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, and lost control, resulting in the crash,” he stated.

Emergency responders and sympathisers worked late into the night to evacuate the victims, while security operatives were deployed to prevent a breakdown of order as tension heightened in the community.

Residents have again called on the Ondo State government and federal authorities to permanently restrict heavy-duty trucks from using the Akungba route, describing it as a “death trap” that continues to claim innocent lives.