At least eight people, including five men, two women, and a young boy, were killed on Wednesday evening in a fatal road crash near Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, in Ondo State.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state confirmed the tragedy, saying the accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. and involved a truck loaded with stone dust and a motorcycle. He explained that the truck lost control and crashed into a barricade close to the university’s main gate.

He urged drivers to be more cautious during the “ember months” and to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained before setting out on any trip. The remains of the victims were later taken to a nearby hospital morgue.

The Public Relations Officer of the Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union Government, Mosadoluwa Ajidagba, also confirmed the incident, revealing that the truck belonged to Dangote Cement.

According to him, the truck was descending from Ikare towards Akungba when its brakes failed, leading it to ram into the barricade. Ajidagba said the crash claimed about ten lives, lamenting that the students’ union had repeatedly called for restrictions on heavy-duty trucks passing through the area to prevent such disasters.

He appealed to students to remain calm, stay law-abiding, and avoid the busy highway until further notice.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Executive Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government, Ayo Ajana, expressed grief over the loss of lives and sympathized with the bereaved families.

Ajana assured that discussions would be held with relevant authorities at both state and local levels to implement permanent safety measures at the accident-prone area and other danger zones in the council.