Tragedy struck the University of Ilesa as a female staff member met her untimely demise in a devastating accident along the Ilesa-Ibodi road on Wednesday.
Reports indicate that a container loaded with cashew nuts toppled off a truck, crushing the car of the unidentified university staff member.
The accident, occurring near the institution’s main gate, sparked panic among bystanders who rushed to aid the victim.
According to an eyewitness, the victim had just finished her day’s work and was en route home when the fatal incident occurred.
A senior staff member of the University of Ilesa, speaking anonymously, lamented the dire situation, stating, “Our colleague’s vehicle was trapped beneath a container carrying cashew nuts from a truck. It’s a devastating loss; she is feared dead.”
The aftermath of the accident led to significant traffic congestion on the busy road, with the fallen container and the involved vehicle obstructing part of the thoroughfare.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, expressed profound sadness over the tragic demise of the university staff member. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke urged relevant government agencies to investigate the accident’s cause and ensure accountability.
Taking swift action, Governor Adeleke instructed the Commissioner for Transportation to conduct a thorough inquiry, including on-site visits to the accident scene, the University of Ilesa, and the deceased’s family.
Additionally, new regulations governing the usage of narrow roads by heavy-duty trucks are set to be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.