A terrible auto-crash in Ogun State has claimed the lives of a 26-year-old undergraduate student of Lagos State University (LASU), Ademola Ayinla Timothy and two drivers.
Timothy, a student of Guidance and Counseling in the prestigious institution, it was gathered, had left Lagos at about 6:45am on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, in a blue Lexus car, marked BDG 979 HD, driven by Sorunke Emmanuel, 28, also of LASU.
According to reports, they were said to be going to Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijebu-Ode when, at a short distance to Babcock University Junction, Ikenne-Remo, the unfortunate incident occurred.
Theliberationnews gathered that, Emmanuel, on his part, was fatally injured and currently on admission at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital.
Two other casualties recorded in the crash were were drivers of the two other vehicles involved in the accident.
They have been identified as Rasak Olayinka and Kelechi Nwagu, both males.
According to a statement issued by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Omolola Odutola, the multiple accident involved a Geon truck, a Toyota Sienna and the Lexus car the late student was an occupant.
A preliminary investigation conducted by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ikenne Division SP Oladepo Olarinoye, who was an early responder at the scene, Sorunke Emmanuel, driver of the Lexus car, drove recklessly and rammed into the fast-moving truck, with registration number LAR 730 XB.
The Sienna bus also hit the Lexus car from the rear, the effect of which forced the Lexus to somersault.
The truck, according to the statement, was driven by Rasak Olayinka of 82, Ilaye Street, Isale Oko Ofin Sagamu, while Kenechi Nwagu of 16, Ngwuagba Obosi, Anambra State, was behind the wheels of the unregistered Toyota Sienna.
All the affected and damaged vehicles have been evacuated and recovered to the station.
In a review of accident cases in the state since June, 2023, the PPRO raised an alarm, saying, “there has been a surge on the number of accident cases on daily basis across the state, not excluding motorcycles crashes. This is one out of them, and the impacts recorded are regrettably fatal”.
Odutola contended that, major causes of “these needless accidents” are human error, adding that, “Only few happens on account of mechanical faults”.
According to her, “Overspeeding on wet tarmac, influence driving, and phone engagement, are some of the known human errors that constitute the large numbers. It is shocking to reveal that motorcycles riders, are culprits. They are dependent on alcohol influence, on ear piece and excessive speed on faulty rims and tyres”.
The command’s spokesperson said that the state Commissioner of Police, Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha, has called the attention of drivers, and all road users, on the need to exercise patience and care, taking cognizance of other road users; to abstain from influence driving and excessive speed, which can burst tryes, leading to death.
