Ofure Akhigbe
At least eight persons were confirmed dead on Wednesday evening when a cement-laden truck reportedly belonging to Dangote Group lost control and crashed near the main gate of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, in Ondo State.
The accident, which occurred around 7:00 p.m., happened close to the Holy Trinity Church area along the busy university road.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, Mr. Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed the incident, saying eight people — five males, two females, and a male child — died on the spot. He added that the remains of the victims had been deposited at the morgue.
Eyewitnesses said the truck, which was conveying cement, suffered a brake failure before ramming into a barricade at the university gate and crushing several pedestrians and roadside traders. The impact also destroyed nearby shops and vehicles.
Some residents and students alleged that the barricade, which was installed to prevent heavy-duty vehicles from entering the area, had been removed or broken, allowing the truck access to the crowded route.
While the FRSC maintained that eight deaths were confirmed, other local reports put the casualty figure at about ten, including a pregnant woman and a child.
Emergency responders and security agencies later arrived at the scene to clear the wreckage and restore order.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash and to prevent a recurrence.