26-Yr-Old LASU Undergraduate, Two Drivers Die In Ogun Fatal Crash

A 26-year-old undergraduate student of the Department of Guidance and Counseling, Lagos State University (LASU), Ademola Ayinla Timothy, has reportedly been killed in an auto crash in Ogun State.

Timothy, it was gathered, had left Lagos at about 6:45 am on Tuesday, 15 August 2023, in a blue Lexus car, marked BDG 979 HD, driven by Sorunke Emmanuel, 28, also of LASU.

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.

Emmanuel, on his part, sustained serious injuries and is currently on admission at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital.

Two other casualties recorded in the crash 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 accidents 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, indicates that 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 Kelechi 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 in the number of accident cases daily across the state, not excluding those of motorcycle crashes. This is one out of them, and the impacts recorded are regrettably fatal”.

SP Odutola contended that the major causes of “these needless accidents” are human error, adding that, “Only a few happen on account of mechanical faults”. 

According to her, “Overspeeding on wet tarmac, influenced driving, 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 the earpiece 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 influenced driving and excessive speed, which can burst tyres, leading to death.

Eighteen-Eleven Media