I write this with both pain and gratitude. Pain for the loss of a hardworking and honest man, Rotimi Olaleye, a devoted father who single-handedly raised his children after his wife?s passing five years ago. He was also a meticulous and reliable mechanic, as attested by his clients, including myself. Though I met him less than a week before his death, his impact remains unforgettable. Gratitude? I was just seconds away from the inferno that claimed his life, along with my wife and first child.

I met him on March 8, 2025, after deciding to change my mechanic. He came highly recommended by Mr. Akinola Ayeni, the best car air conditioning technician I had encountered. We took my car for a test drive, and he quickly identified issues, including a dangerously loose ABS wire. He fixed it immediately but insisted other repairs wait until Monday due to prior commitments. I appreciated his honesty.On Monday, I took the car to him. He was thorough and refused to rush the job, despite knowing I planned to bring my other car for servicing afterward.

On Tuesday morning, an accident occurred on Otedola Bridge, delaying my wife?s trip. We live in a well-organised estate near OPIC in Ogun State. Meanwhile, Mr. Olaleye, stuck in traffic from Mowe, kept updating me on his progress until 6 PM when he declared the car ready.

When I asked if I should come over, he refused, wanting the car washed first. I offered to handle it the next day, but he insisted. At 7 PM, he called to say the washing was done.

I informed my wife, Mrs. Taiwo Oladipo, and we prepared to leave. However, our daughter, Ewaoluwa, a 500-level Chemical Engineering student, was still at a friend?s house, so we waited. Later, en route, my wife and daughter insisted we buy drinking water at a supermarket in Ogba, where it was cheaper. Though reluctant, I relented. This delay lasted about 10 minutes.

Navigating through the New Afrika Shrine area, we approached the mechanic village gate where Mr. Olaleye waited. As we descended Otedola Bridge, my wife spotted an out-of-control truck.

Instinct took over?I swerved toward CMD Road. Within seconds, the truck crashed, rupturing its gas-filled tanker. The sky turned blue, a telltale sign of escaping gas. As I dialed Mr. Olaleye?s number, the explosion erupted.

Panic ensued. A woman banged on my car, urging me to move. My wife was also agitated, but I hesitated, hoping to reach Mr. Olaleye. His phone rang, then stopped.

I called Mr. Ayeni, who was at Agidingbi. He had just spoken to Mr. Olaleye, who was still waiting with my car. By the time Mr. Ayeni and others arrived, they found Mr. Olaleye lying face down, barely alive. He had told his apprentices to flee while he attempted to save my car. Sadly, he didn?t survive. That night, I wept.

In the short time I knew him, Mr. Olaleye left a lasting impact. His work ethic was unparalleled. I only wish he had answered my last call?to abandon the car and run.

I later learned a Zenith Bank staff member and his wife also perished. He had just returned from vacation that day. May their souls, and those of others lost, rest in peace.

The Lagos State Government?s emergency response was swift, yet insufficient. Only one fire truck arrived initially, exhausting its water before another came 15?20 minutes later. By the time help reached Mr. Olaleye, it was too late. However, the authorities cleared the scene within 18 hours, a commendable effort.

Second Coming Gas Company, which owned the truck, responded by assisting hospitalised victims and engaging affected technicians, including plans to support Mr. Olaleye?s children. However, the truck was reportedly faulty, and the driver was likely trying to manage it into a station on CMD Road?a disaster waiting to happen.

Lagosians pay N15,000 for third-party insurance, yet it offers no coverage for fire-related accidents. This system benefits insurance companies while leaving victims stranded.

The Federal Road Safety Corps and Lagos State Traffic Emergency Management Agency must enforce traffic laws more stringently, especially for commercial vehicles. Private vehicle owners bear the brunt of regulations, while reckless truck drivers continue to endanger lives. Until this changes, tragedies like Otedola Bridge will persist.

?Dotun Oladipo is Managing Editor/CEO, Premium Eagle Media Limited, Publishers of The Eagle Online.

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