Tragedy struck in Ondo State on Tuesday as at least eight people, including a pregnant woman, lost their lives in a ghastly road accident in Akungba-Akoko, along the Owo–Akungba–Ikare Akoko expressway.

Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred when a heavy-duty truck lost control and crashed into several roadside shops and pedestrians, leaving multiple people dead on the spot and several others critically injured. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Truck Loses Control, Rams Into Shops

According to residents, the truck, which was heading towards Akungba from Owo, suddenly lost control while descending a slope near the town’s main market.

One eyewitness told reporters that the driver appeared unable to stop the vehicle as it veered off the highway and ploughed into makeshift shops, crushing traders and passersby.

“The driver lost control of the truck and swerved off the road into the shops,” said a local trader who narrowly escaped the accident. “We just heard a loud noise and saw the trailer coming straight at people. It was terrible — bodies were everywhere.”

Another resident explained that some people believed the barricades meant to control truck movements on that stretch had been removed before the accident.

“The trailer came from the top of the hill. Some people said the barricade had been opened, others said it was broken. The next thing, it rammed into the shops and crushed those inside,” the witness said.

Confusion and Panic at the Scene

Moments after the crash, there was pandemonium as residents and motorists rushed to the scene to rescue survivors. Many of the victims were said to be local traders conducting business along the roadside.

Videos shared on social media showed wrecked shops, crushed vehicles, and scattered goods as onlookers wailed and tried to pull victims from the debris.

Emergency responders, including personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Nigeria Police, later arrived to evacuate the injured and recover the bodies.

An FRSC officer who spoke anonymously confirmed that eight persons died instantly, while others sustained various degrees of injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

“The accident involved a truck carrying goods from Owo to Ikare. The vehicle lost control due to brake failure and ran into the roadside stalls. Eight people, including a pregnant woman, were confirmed dead at the scene,” the officer said.

Authorities Launch Investigation

Local authorities in Akoko Southwest Local Government Area have begun investigating the cause of the accident.

Preliminary reports suggest that mechanical failure, particularly brake malfunction, might have caused the driver to lose control of the truck. Officials also cited over-speeding and poor road discipline as contributing factors.

An official of the Ondo State Ministry of Transport expressed sadness over the recurring accidents on the Akungba axis, describing it as one of the state’s most accident-prone routes.

“This is not the first time such a tragedy is happening here,” he said. “We have lost so many lives on this same slope. The government has erected barricades several times, but some drivers still violate the restrictions.”

Residents Call for Action

Heartbroken residents of Akungba-Akoko have called on the Ondo State Government to take urgent measures to prevent future tragedies.

They appealed for the construction of speed bumps, enforcement of truck route restrictions, and deployment of traffic officers to monitor heavy-duty vehicles on the Owo–Akungba–Ikare road.

“We are tired of mourning,” said one community leader. “Every few months, we lose people to the same kind of accident. The government must act before the entire town is wiped out.”

Others urged transport unions to ensure that long-distance truck drivers undergo vehicle checks before embarking on trips through hilly terrain.

Victims Identified

As of press time, the identities of all the victims had not been officially released, but locals confirmed that the deceased included a pregnant woman, two traders, and several pedestrians.

The remains of the victims were deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary in Ikare-Akoko, while security operatives cordoned off the area to prevent looting and further chaos.

Recurring Tragedy on Akungba Road

The Akungba-Akoko road has witnessed several fatal accidents over the years, often involving trucks and trailers descending from steep hills.

In 2021, a similar incident claimed over 20 lives near the Adekunle Ajasin University gate, sparking nationwide outrage and calls for stricter traffic enforcement.

Despite repeated interventions, reckless driving, overloading, and mechanical failures continue to make the highway one of the deadliest in the Southwest.