Driver dies as vehicle plunges into Lagos river

Tragedy struck at the Majidun end of the Ikorodu Road, Lagos State, after a 20-year-old driver, Seun Akinyosoye, was killed in a lone accident.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the victim was driving home together with a friend, Sodiq Teriba, when he lost control of the Hyundai saloon car, with number plate KTU 976 BL.

While Teriba escaped the crash, Akinyosoye was said to have drowned after the car plunged into a river.

His remains were taken to the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue by policemen from the Owode Onirin division who responded to the emergency.

A police source said the incident happened around 1am on Wednesday.

He said, “According to the friend, who came to report the case at the station, they live around the Ogijo area of Ikorodu and they were heading home in the victim’s car. He said his friend suddenly lost control and plunged into the Asolo River. Some of our traffic officers went to the scene and took the corpse to the mortuary.”

The General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Michael Akindele, said the response team of LASEMA removed the car from the river, adding that reckless driving caused the accident.

He said the accident occurred around 10.53pm on Tuesday.

He said, “The car veered off the road and plunged into the river due to the recklessness of the driver. The driver and his friend were recovered by the police.

“While Seun (Akinyosoye) lost his life, Sodiq (Teriba) sustained some internal injuries. He was taken to the Trauma Centre for treatment.

“The vehicle was towed and subsequently taken to the police station. It is important that motorists drive within the approved speed limits at all times.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the death, adding that investigations were ongoing into the case.

“Investigators visited the scene of the incident and took pictures. The car is awaiting inspection of the Vehicle Inspection Service. We have also deposited the corpse at the mortuary for an autopsy,” she added.

A top official at the Ikorodu General Hospital confirmed that the victim’s corpse was in the morgue, adding that his family members had already shown up to identify him.

“As soon as the autopsy is conducted, the body will be released to the family. The second occupant of the car is doing fine,” she said.

Punch