POLY STUDENT, OTHERS DIE IN AUTO ACCIDENT

Accident scene

The life of a 23-year-old student of the Federal Polytechnic in Offa, Kwara State, Oladotun Alade, has been cut short by an accident involving a truck and a Volkswagen saloon car in Okuku, Osun State.

One of the eyewitnesses told PUNCH Metro that the accident occurred when the plank-carrying truck was overtaking the five-seater car.

“As the truck was trying to overtake the car, the planks got detached from it and fell on the car. The three passengers sitting at the back of the car died instantly,” the eyewitness said.

It was learnt that Alade, who was an ND 1 Civil Engineering student, was among the passengers sitting at the back.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the driver and the passenger sitting in the front survived the accident.

Alade’s relative, Adeyemi Oyeleke, said, “He was travelling to the school to submit an assignment since the polytechnic has resumed. His friends had earlier informed him that lectures had commenced. He had planned to travel next week Monday, but his mates called him that one of their lecturers demanded that an assignment he gave them be submitted.

“He was a friendly guy and always smiling. He was the only son and the second child of the family.”

Our correspondent, who also visited the Facebook page of the deceased, observed that tributes had been pouring in for the undergraduate.

One of his friends, Temitope Dada, wrote, “Still seems like a dream,

with his sisters on January 12th

Alade Matthew Oladotun. You left without a farewell message. It’s so saddening to hear the demise of a rare gem, friend and brother. I love you, but God loves you more. Sleep well.”

Tope Olayemi, who shares the same birthday with the deceased, wrote, “It was very painful when I heard you’re gone, my birthday mate. RIP.”

Another friend, Abey Oyejide, wrote, “Dotun, you were joking with me on Sunday, but you did not tell me you would leave us soon. We will always remember your impact in this world. Rest in Peace.”

A source close to the family said that the deceased had  been buried on Wednesday.

When our correspondent contacted the Osun Police Public Relations Officer, Sade Odoro, she said she had not heard of the accident, but promised to call the DPO of the Okuku Division.

However, our correspondent did not get any feedback from her as of the time of going to press.