A Nigerian Uber driver, Kolawole Erunkulu, has been sentenced to six years in prison for causing the death of another motorist in the UK after falling asleep while driving. The tragic incident occurred on August 17, 2026, on the A23 in Surrey, where Erunkulu's prolonged driving led to a fatal collision.

Erunkulu, who had been driving for an extended period without adequate rest, lost consciousness at the wheel shortly before 6:30 AM. His Audi swerved across the carriageway in Merstham and crashed into a parked Volkswagen, which was being driven by Philip Dray, who tragically lost his life in the accident.

Investigations revealed that Erunkulu had driven for approximately 53 hours in the three days leading up to the crash. Footage from a camera inside his vehicle captured the moment he fell asleep, highlighting the dangers of fatigue while driving.

Following the incident, Erunkulu was charged with causing death by dangerous driving in March 2026. He pleaded guilty in court during a hearing in June. At the Guildford Crown Court, the judge emphasized the severity of the case, noting that Erunkulu's lack of rest directly contributed to the fatal collision.

In addition to his prison sentence, Erunkulu has been disqualified from driving for eight years, a penalty that will run concurrently with his jail time. This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with driving while fatigued, and the devastating consequences that can arise from such negligence.