Anthony Joshua, British former heavyweight champion has survived a fatal car accident in Ogun State, Nigeria, which claimed the lives of two British men travelling with him.
The crash occurred on Monday along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck.
Police confirmed that Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries while seated in the rear of the vehicle.
“The vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated,” said Ogun State Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi.
“He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and [is] receiving medical attention.”
Eyewitness Adeniyi Orojo noted that Joshua was travelling with three others when the crash occurred.
“Joshua was seated behind the driver with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash,” he said.
Orojo added that the passenger beside the driver and the person seated next to Joshua died instantly.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed the accident to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.
FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in a statement after the incident on Monday, confirmed that five men were involved, with two fatalities, one injury and two escaping unhurt.
The remains of the deceased, identified as British nationals, were deposited at Livewell Morgue in Sagamu.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well parked by the side of the road,” Ogungbemide said.
The Ogun State Government expressed condolences to the bereaved families and sympathy to Joshua. Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the incident as “deeply unfortunate and painful, particularly with the loss of precious lives.”
He added, “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident, which the State considers a devastating loss. As we mourn collectively, we pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
