Two people have been reported dead, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries in two separate accidents on Saturday along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway and the Ile-Oba area of the Ogijo/Ita-Oluwo/Ikorodu Road.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Sunday.
Odutola stated that the accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which occurred at about 9 a.m., claimed one life, while five others were injured.
She said, “The accident involved a Mack 40-ft container truck with registration number T-24572 LA, driven by Mr Sanni Saifullahi of AY and Rolly’s Ventures, Magodo, Lagos, and a Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number FST 525 YJ, driven by Mr Sunday Okpe of Miracle Ultima International Ltd.
“According to preliminary investigations, the Toyota Sienna was en route from Osun State to Lagos, carrying seven passengers. The driver reportedly lost control of the steering and crashed into the rear of the container truck.
“The impact led to the tragic death of a passenger, Ms Miracle Chibuzor of Miracle Ultima International Ltd, who was seated in the front seat. Five other occupants sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly transported by motor traffic police to Famobis Hospital, Lotto, Mowe, for medical treatment.”
The deceased’s body was evacuated to Idera Mortuary for an autopsy and official death certification by medical practitioners.
Traffic police officers also visited the scene to ease congestion and prevent further accidents caused by onlookers. The wreckage of the vehicles involved was towed to the Sagamu Police Station for safekeeping and inspection by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO).
Similarly, the crash along the Ogijo/Ita-Oluwo/Ikorodu Road, which occurred at about 8 a.m., involved a TVS tricycle with plate number Lagos BDG 561QN, driven by 21-year-old Usman Abdullahi, and a female pedestrian whose identity remains unknown.
Odutola stated, “Preliminary reports indicated that the pedestrian was attempting to cross the road when the tricycle, en route to the Ogijo main park, struck her.
“As a result, she sustained severe head injuries and was immediately rushed to Omowunmi Hospital in Kusela, Ogijo, for urgent medical attention. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.”
Police officers who were first responders took swift action to secure the accident scene, conduct measurements, and gather photographic evidence.
The tricycle wreckage was impounded at the police station for further inspection by VIO officers, while the driver, Usman Abdullahi, is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Efforts are ongoing to transfer the deceased’s body to the morgue for preservation and an autopsy.
Meanwhile, the police lamented the recklessness of some commercial drivers who prioritise financial gain over passenger safety.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has urged drivers to maintain a safe distance from heavy-duty vehicles and exercise caution while driving to prevent avoidable accidents.
