By Our Correspondent
A fatal accident involving a cement-laden truck reportedly belonging to Dangote Cement PLC has claimed the lives of at least eight people, including a pregnant woman and a young child, in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on Wednesday evening when the truck, descending a steep slope near the main gate of Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba, allegedly suffered brake failure. The vehicle veered off the road, crashing into roadside shops and passersby before finally coming to a halt in front of the Holy Trinity Church.
The impact of the crash was devastating, leaving multiple victims trapped beneath the truck and destroying several roadside structures. Residents and students from the nearby university rushed to the scene to assist in rescue efforts before emergency responders arrived.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps in the state confirmed that eight bodies were recovered and taken to the morgue, while several others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Eyewitnesses, however, said that the death toll could rise to ten as some victims remain in critical condition.
A resident explained that this was not the first time such a tragedy had occurred on the Akungba hill, noting that the area had recorded multiple fatal truck accidents in recent years. He said that the community had repeatedly appealed to the government to restrict heavy-duty trucks from using the route, especially through the university gate, but that no action had been taken.
Community members and students have renewed calls for the state government to permanently ban articulated trucks from plying the Owo–Ikare expressway through Akungba, citing the recurring loss of lives and property.
As of press time, Dangote Cement PLC had not released an official statement regarding the incident. However, the Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash and to identify the ownership and operational compliance of the vehicle involved.
The Ondo State Government has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to work with relevant agencies to address persistent safety concerns along the Akungba corridor.
