A pregnant woman, along with nine others, lost their lives in a lone accident that took place on Wednesday night in the university community of Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, involving a cement-laden truck.

The tragic accident happened around 7:00 pm a few metres from the main gate of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and the well-known Holy Trinity Church.

The articulated truck, which was travelling through the community from Obajana in Kogi State and allegedly owned by Dangote Cement, reportedly suffered brake failure before crashing into traders and other road users in the densely populated area.

A pregnant woman, a lady, and her child, among others, were identified as casualties in the horrific accident, with many others injured.

As of press time, rescue operations by security personnel were ongoing, while the exact death toll remains unconfirmed. However, sources at the scene claimed at least 10 fatalities, with six bodies already recovered and many more feared trapped beneath the wreckage.

Infuriated by the incident, enraged sympathisers blamed the accident on the removal of the barricade that had been earlier mounted to prevent articulated vehicles from accessing the community.

The sympathisers, who thronged the accident scene, lamented that the tragedy had brought back painful memories of previous accidents in the area, which claimed many lives over the years.

One of the sources said, “Some boys in the community had been using the barricade erected to extort N10,000 from the truck drivers before allowing them to pass through. The government turned a blind eye.”

The Public Relations Officer of the AAUA Student Union Government (SUG), Akinibobola Ajidagba, stated that “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 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 can all recall, the Students’ Union has made several efforts to ensure that trucks stop plying Akungba roads, as this can pose a danger to the lives and properties of our students.

“We remain resolute in the assurance of this struggle. We implore all students to remain calm 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.”

While confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in the state, Ibitoye, stated that eight people lost their lives in the accident.

He said, “The deceased persons include five males, two females and one child. The truck ran into a barricade in front of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, and lost control, resulting in the crash.”