BREAKING: Dangote Truck Crushes Pregnant Woman, Child, Six Others in Ondo
Tragedy struck on Wednesday night in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, as a cement-laden Dangote truck reportedly lost control and crushed a pregnant woman, her child, and six others to death.
The fatal crash occurred around 8:00 p.m., a few metres from the main gate of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and close to the Holy Trinity Church, throwing the entire university community into mourning.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to PulseNets said the articulated truck, which was coming from Obajana in Kogi State, allegedly suffered brake failure before ramming into roadside traders and pedestrians.
One distraught witness told PulseNets, “It was a terrible sight. The truck was descending the hill when the driver shouted for help, but before anyone could move, it had already run over people. A pregnant woman and her child died instantly.”
PulseNets learnt that the crash sparked outrage among residents, who blamed the tragedy on the removal of the barricade previously erected to prevent heavy-duty vehicles from entering the area.
An angry resident told PulseNets, “We warned the authorities. That barricade used to save lives, but some boys started collecting ₦10,000 from truck drivers to let them pass. Now, see what has happened again.”
Several residents recalled previous fatal accidents in the same area, noting that articulated trucks have repeatedly caused bloodshed near the university gate despite community protests.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Ibitoye, said eight people were confirmed dead.
According to him, “The deceased persons include five males, two females, and one child. The cement truck ran into a barricade near Adekunle Ajasin University, lost control, and caused the crash.”
Also Read: “Buy Made-in-Nigeria to Build Our Economy,” Dangote Urges Citizens in Fresh Call for Economic Patriotism
PulseNets obtained information that the bodies of the victims have been deposited at the university teaching hospital morgue, while rescue efforts continue to clear the wreckage from the road.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement as residents demand urgent measures to restrict heavy trucks from passing through the university community.
