LASU student, two others die in Ogun auto crash

• CP laments surge in avoidable road accidents since June

Twenty six-year-old student of Lagos State University (LASU), Ademola Ayinla Timothy, and two others were, yesterday, confirmed dead in a fatal accident involving a Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), a Geon Truck and Toyota Sienna along Sagamu-Benin Highway in Ogun State.

The Guardian learnt that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ikenne division, Superintendent of Police (SP), Oladepo Oarinoye, and his team tried to rescue the victims, but they were pronounced dead by doctors at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan, Ogun State.

Timothy, a student of the Department of Guidance and Counselling in LASU, and two others, namely, Rasak Olayinka and Kelechi Nwagu died in the accident, while Sorunke Emmanuel, the driver of the ill-fated Lexus car, is presently receiving treatment at Babcock University Teaching hospital.

An eyewitness said the accident occurred on Tuesday, August 15, at about 0645hrs before Babcock University junction along Sagamu- Benin Highway.

According to the eyewitness, the accident involved a white Geon Truck with registration number LAR 730 XB driven by Olayinka of 82, Ilaye Street, Isale Oko Ofin, Sagamu, unregistered ash colour Toyota Sienna, driven by Nwagu of 16, Ugwuagba Obosi, Anambra State, and a blue Lexus car, with registration number BDG 979 HD, driven by Emmanuel of 28, Mushin Road, Isolo, Lagos.

“Timothy was rescued and rushed to the hospital, but he did not make it. All affected and damaged vehicles have been evacuated and recovered to the station,” the witness added.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for Ogun State Police Command, Superintendent of Police (SP) Omotola Odutola, lamented the surge in auto crashes in the state since June.
According to her, there has been a surge in the number of accident cases on a daily basis across the state.

“This is one out of many, and the impacts recorded are regrettably fatal. The major causes of these needless accidents are human error; only few happen on account of mechanical faults.

“Overspeeding on wet tarmac, driving under the influence of alcohol, and phone engagement are some of the known human errors that constitute the large numbers.It is shocking to reveal that motorcycle riders are culprits; they are dependent on alcohol influence, on earpiece and excessive speed on faulty rims and tyres.

“The Commissioner of Police  (CP) Alamutu Abiodun, has been briefed, and he has urged motorists, drivers, and highway users, to exercise patience, taking cognisance of other road users, and to abstain from alcohol influenced driving and excessive speed, which could lead to burst tyres and death,” she added.