JUST-IN: Truck Crushes ‘Many To Death’ In Ondo

A trailer loaded with cement has reportedly killed at least 10 people in Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government area of Ondo State on Wednesday evening.

LEADERSHIP gathered from a source that the trailer lost control as a result of brake failure and rammed into some shops along the main street of the town, crushing the people to death on the spot.

It was learnt that the accident occurred near the popular Holy Trinity Church in the ancient town.

An eyewitness who preferred anonymity told LEADERSHIP that the accident had thrown the university community into a mourning mood.

The source hinted that,“The trailer 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.

“The driver lost control of the truck and swerved off the road and rammed into the shops along the road, killing the victims.”

Also, the exact number of casualties was yet to be confirmed by security agencies.

Our correspondent also learnt that one of the casualties was a yet-to-be identified pregnant woman whose lifeless body was removed from under the truck

The remains of the deceased were said to have been deposited at the morgue of a hospital in the town.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed the incident when contacted.

Ibitoye said the accident involved a truck, which was loaded with bags of cement.

According to him, “The incident involved a truck which
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.”

While advising motorists to always ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before hitting the road, Ibitoye admonished drivers to always obey the traffic rules and regulations while driving.