By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Tragedy struck in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, as a cement truck reportedly lost control and crashed into roadside shops, killing several people, including a pregnant woman.
Eyewitnesses said the accident happened along the Owo-Akungba-Ikare Akoko expressway, near the Adekunle Ajasin University, on Wednesday. The truck, according to accounts, veered off the road after losing control and rammed into nearby shops, leaving multiple victims trapped.
According to a local witness, “The driver lost control of the truck and swerved off the road and rammed into the shops along the road killing the victims.”
Another resident added, “The truck was coming from up, we couldn’t say if the barricade was opened, because some people said the trailer destroyed the barricade. Like five people have died while we don’t know how many are under the trailer now.”
Confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, Mr Samuel Ibitoye, said the truck was carrying bags of cement when it lost control.
Ibitoye explained, “The incident involved a truck that ran into a barricade in front of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko and lost control, resulting in the crash. No fewer than eight people were killed, comprising five males, two females and one male child.”
He urged motorists to always ensure their vehicles are in proper working condition before embarking on any trip, while also advising drivers to strictly obey traffic regulations.
Speaking on the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Adekunle Ajasin University Student Union Government (SUG), Akinibobola Ajidagba, said, “We regret to inform the entirety of the student populace that an articulated vehicle belonging to the Dangote group of companies suffered a brake failure from Ikare en route to Akungba and has destroyed by accident the permanent barricade erected at the university main gate.
“As it stands, close to 10 people have lost their lives due to this tragic incident. As we all can recollect, the Students’ Union has made several efforts to ensure that trucks stop plying Akungba roads, as this can endanger the lives and properties of our students.
“We still remain resolute in the assurance of this struggle. We implore all students to remain and be fearless, as we are up to the task of maintaining peace and order within the student community, and to stay away from the highway for the time being.”
Meanwhile, the remains of the victims have been taken to the morgue at the government hospital within the university community.
Although the police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, was unavailable for comment, a police officer who spoke anonymously described the crash as “pathetic.”