At least ten people, including a pregnant woman, have lost their lives in a fatal accident in the Akungba-Akoko area of Ondo State.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred when a truck reportedly lost control and crashed into several roadside shops along the Owo-Akungba-Ikare Akoko expressway, killing the victims instantly.
A local said …
“The driver lost control of the truck and swerved off the road and rammed into the shops along the road killing the victims.”
“The truck was coming from up, we couldn’t say if the barricade was opened, because some people said the trailer destroyed the barricade.
“Like five people have died while we don’t know how many are under the trailer now.”
When contacted, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed that the accident involved a truck carrying bags of cement.
“The incident involved a truck that ran into a barricade in front of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko and lost control, resulting in the crash.
“No fewer than eight people were killed , comprising five males , two females and one male child,” Ibitoye.
He advised “motorists to always ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before hitting the road. I will also advise drivers to always obey traffic rules and regulations.
Reacting to the tragic incident, the Public Relations Officer of the AAUA Student Union Government (SUG), Akinibobola Ajidagba, said 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 by accident 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 all can recollect, the Students’ Union has made several efforts to ensure that trucks stop plying Akungba roads, as this can endanger the lives and properties of our students.
“We still remain resolute in the assurance of this struggle. We implore all students to remain 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.”