Father, 2 daughters die as vehicle plunges into Lagos lagoon -

 LAGOS — Three members of the same family died early, yesterday, in Lagos as the vehicle in which they were travelling plunged into Ikota river on Lekki-Epe expressway. The accident, which occurred at about 1: 00 am, less than 50 metres from the second toll gate, claimed the lives of father and two daughters, while the wife, who sustained serious injuries, is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.  Vanguard gathered that driver of the vehicle, a Toyota 4 Runner Sports Utility Van, SUV, with registration LAGOS DN 866 JJJ, was trying to avoid an articulated vehicle when he veered off the road and plunged into the river. A source said the man and his two daughters died instantly, while the wife was rescued with serious injuries. It was learnt that the victims were flung into the river as soon as the vehicle hit the waters and this reportedly created a challenge for the rescue team in recovering their bodies.  Officials of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Lekki Concession Company, LCC, and Lagos State Ambulance Services, LASAMBUS, were seen at the accident scene at about 9:00 am recovering the vehicle from the river, after the victims had been taken to the mortuary.  An official of LASEMA, who craved anonymity, confirmed three deaths and one survivor, explaining that the accident occurred because the driver of the SUV tried to avoid an articulated vehicle close to Ikota river bridge and, thereafter, plunged into the river.  One of the front tyres of the SUV pulled off as a result of impact of the crash. Though the accident occurred very early in the morning, the scene attracted a huge crowd of onlookers, with accompanying traffic gridlock. -

Vanguard........