A tragic accident that claimed the lives of three students and one commercial motorcycle rider in Oluyole Local Government has prompted swift action from the Council Chairman, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji, who has issued an immediate directives targeted at preventing future occurrences.
The Council boss has directed that all quarry trucks carrying asphalt, granite or any other material must adequately cover them to prevent spill on the road.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning around 9am when a truck owned by a Construction Company, operating along the Abanla–Idi-Ayunre axis, fatally crushed a commercial motorcycle carrying three students of Prospect High School, Abanla, all at once.
Eyewitness disclosed that the truck driver rammed into the motorcycle carrying the three students after a failed attempt to overtake another vehicle.
The truck driver reportedly ran away from the accident scene immediately. His whereabouts is still unknown as further investigation into the accident commences by the police.
Th commercial motorcyclists and two students died immediately while the third student was eventually pronounced dead at a nearby hospital the student was rushed to.
Witnesses said that distraught students poured into the streets shortly after the incident, blocking the road and demanding justice and urgent government intervention.
Emotions ran high as other commercial motorcyclists and residents joined in solidarity, condemning the recurring danger posed by heavy-duty vehicles on the route.
Reacting to the development, the executive Chairman of the council, Asiwaju Olatunji hurriedly arrived at the scene alongside the police and other security agencies to address the protesters and reassure the community of immediate and long-term actions.
While expressing deep sorrow over the loss of young lives, he condemned the recklessness of some trailer drivers operating in the area and commercial motorcyclists in their rush for quick money.
He explained that if the commercial motorcyclists had adhered to all necessary traffic rule including the number of passengers allowed, the rider would have been able to navigate and maneuver his way to prevent the ghastly accident from occurring.
He assured the families of the students that justice will be served on the case as the council would not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the driver was found and brought to book.
He also assured that the construction company that own the truck would be made to compensate the bereaved family.
“This is one tragedy too many. I can only imagine what the parents and families of these future leaders are going through emotionally, psychologically and physically right now. I’m a father and I can tell it is better imagined.
“We cannot continue to lose our children to preventable road accidents due to reckless drivers and riders who are bent on violating our laws at will,” Olatunji said.
“I have directed that speed bumps be constructed along this road without delay. We must take firm steps to slow down these trailers and protect our people, especially schoolchildren.
“The bush along that particular route will also be cleared off to enable road users have more visibility while plying it,” Olatunji affirmed.
The Council boss further revealed that talks have begun with the management of the Construction Company to ensure accountability and enforce stricter safety measures for their drivers and trucks.
Olatunji also disclosed plans to collaborate with relevant state and federal traffic agencies to intensify enforcement against reckless driving and implement school zone safety protocols in critical areas.
The police have impounded the truck driver and have assured that justice will be served on the matter.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere around Prospect High School remains somber as staff and students mourn the devastating loss of their classmates.