Tragedy struck in the Akungba-Akoko area of Ondo State as at least ten people, including a heavily pregnant woman, were confirmed dead following a devastating road accident involving a truck loaded with bags of cement. The horrific crash occurred along the Owo-Akungba-Ikare Akoko expressway, a route notorious for accidents and heavy traffic involving articulated vehicles.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the truck, which was reportedly descending from a hilly section of the road, suddenly lost control and rammed into a line of roadside shops, instantly crushing several people to death. The loud crash reportedly sent panic through the busy university town, with traders and students fleeing for safety as the vehicle ploughed through the barricade and into the commercial area.
A local eyewitness described the terrifying moment, saying, “The driver lost control of the truck and swerved off the road, crashing directly into the shops along the expressway. The victims didn’t even have time to escape — it was that fast.”
Another resident, still in shock, narrated that, “The truck was coming from the top of the hill, and we couldn’t confirm if the barricade at the university gate was opened or not. Some people are saying the truck broke through the barricade. About five bodies were pulled out immediately, but many more were trapped under the trailer. Rescue operations were ongoing.”
The incident caused chaos in the community as emergency responders, local youths, and commercial motorcyclists rushed to the scene in a desperate attempt to save those trapped beneath the wreckage. It took hours before the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel and police officers could fully secure the area and begin recovery efforts.
Confirming the tragic event, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Ondo State, Mr. Samuel Ibitoye, revealed that the accident involved a truck loaded with cement that lost control and crashed into the barricade in front of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA).
“The incident involved a truck that ran into the barricade in front of the Adekunle Ajasin University and lost control, resulting in multiple fatalities. No fewer than eight people were confirmed dead at the scene, comprising five males, two females, and one male child,” he stated solemnly.
He urged motorists, particularly truck and commercial drivers, to carry out proper vehicle maintenance before embarking on trips, warning that brake failures and reckless driving continue to claim innocent lives. “Drivers must always ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before hitting the road. They must also strictly obey traffic rules and regulations to prevent such needless tragedies,” Ibitoye added.
Reacting to the heartbreaking incident, the Public Relations Officer of the AAUA Students’ Union Government (SUG), Akinibobola Ajidagba, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and criticized the continued movement of heavy-duty trucks through the university’s main road despite several appeals to restrict them.
In his statement, Ajidagba said, “We regret to inform the entire student populace that an articulated vehicle belonging to the Dangote Group of Companies suffered a brake failure while descending from Ikare en route to Akungba. The truck destroyed the permanent barricade at the university’s main gate, leading to this tragic event.”
He added, “As it stands, close to ten people have lost their lives due to this heartbreaking incident. We have repeatedly called on the relevant authorities to prevent heavy trucks from passing through Akungba, as this route poses a serious risk to students and residents alike. Sadly, our fears have once again been justified.”
The SUG PRO reaffirmed the union’s commitment to continue advocating for the safety of students and residents, emphasizing that the struggle to keep trucks off the Akungba road would not end. “We remain resolute and unwavering in our efforts to ensure safety for all. We urge all students to stay calm and away from the highway until further notice. Our leadership is working closely with the university management and security agencies to maintain peace and order within the community,” he concluded.
The incident has reignited calls for a permanent diversion route for heavy-duty vehicles away from Akungba town, where several fatal accidents have occurred in recent years, particularly near the university gate. Families of the deceased, students, and community leaders are now demanding stronger government intervention to prevent future tragedies.