Two separate accidents on Saturday, one along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway and another at the Ile-Oba area of the Ogijo/Ita-Oluwo/Ikorodu Road, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to five others.
Spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incidents in a statement shared with journalists on Sunday.
According to Odutola, the first crash occurred around 9 a.m. on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, claiming one life and injuring five people.
She detailed the accident, stating, “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.”
Following the accident, the deceased’s body was moved to Idera Mortuary for an autopsy and formal death certification. Meanwhile, traffic officers cleared the scene to prevent congestion and further mishaps.
The damaged vehicles were also towed to Sagamu Police Station for safekeeping and assessment by Vehicle Inspection Officers.
In a separate incident around 8 a.m., a TVS tricycle with registration number Lagos BDG 561QN, operated by 21-year-old Usman Abdullahi, was involved in an accident with a female pedestrian who was attempting to cross the Ogijo/Ita-Oluwo/Ikorodu Road.
Odutola explained, “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 swiftly secured the crash site, collected photographic evidence, and took necessary measurements.
The tricycle was impounded at the police station for further evaluation by VIO officers, while the driver, Abdullahi, remains in police custody as investigations proceed. Authorities are also making arrangements to transfer the victim’s body to the morgue for preservation and an autopsy.
The police expressed concern over the reckless behavior of some commercial drivers, who often prioritize financial gain over passenger safety.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police CP Lanre Ogunlowo urged drivers to be mindful of their distance from heavy-duty vehicles and practice caution on the road to avoid preventable accidents.
