A tragic road accident struck the university town of Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State on Wednesday night when a Dangote Cement-laden truck lost control and crushed at least eight people to death, including a pregnant woman, a mother, and her child.

The horrifying crash occurred around 8:00 p.m., just a few meters from the main gate of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) and near the popular Holy Trinity Church. According to eyewitnesses, the truck, which was coming from Obajana in Kogi State, allegedly suffered brake failure before it rammed into roadside traders and pedestrians in the crowded area.

Eyewitnesses expressed outrage over the accident, blaming it on the removal of the barricade that was previously mounted to prevent heavy-duty trucks from passing through the community. Some residents alleged that a few individuals had been collecting ₦10,000 from truck drivers to allow them access to the restricted route, accusing the authorities of neglect.

The tragic event has reopened painful memories of several deadly accidents that have occurred along the same stretch of road over the years, leading to calls for urgent government intervention to restrict articulated vehicles from using the route again.

Confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, Mr. Ibitoye, said a total of eight people died in the crash—five men, two women, and a child. He explained that the truck “ran into a barricade in front of Adekunle Ajasin University, lost control, and crushed people on the roadside.”