Anthony Joshua is stable after a fatal Lagos–Ibadan Expressway crash that killed two close aides. FRSC cites overspeeding as cause
Anthony Joshua Stable After Fatal Crash
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is in stable condition following a fatal road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed the lives of two of his close associates.
The British-Nigerian boxing star arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, early yesterday and was travelling in a Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to his paternal hometown, Sagamu, Ogun State, when the accident occurred.
According to authorities, the Lexus SUV rammed into a stationary truck along the expressway. Two passengers died on the spot, while Joshua and the driver survived with injuries.
The injured occupants were rushed to a hospital in Lagos, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at Livewell Mortuary, Ajaka, Sagamu, close to the accident scene. The severely damaged SUV was later evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division (MTD) office.
Sources confirmed that the victims were Joshua’s fitness trainer and a close friend, both of whom had reportedly spent time with the boxer earlier in Lagos. It was gathered that Joshua had played tennis with the two men just hours before embarking on the ill-fated journey.
The late trainer was described as a key figure in Joshua’s physical conditioning and performance, having worked closely with the former champion for several years.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed the crash to overspeeding and wrongful overtaking.
FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide said, “The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN (private) and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number.
“The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently in Europe on holiday, personally spoke with Anthony Joshua on the phone while he was receiving treatment.
In a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President said:
“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates.
“I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital.
“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.”
Earlier, President Tinubu had described Joshua as a patriotic citizen and a source of national pride, saying:
“I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries.
“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.”
He prayed for Joshua’s speedy recovery and for the repose of the souls of the departed.
In a joint statement signed by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, both state governments confirmed that Joshua is stable.
The statement read:
“Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time. A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely.”
The governments extended their deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and assured that investigations into the crash had commenced, while also requesting privacy for Joshua and his family.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed that a full investigation is ongoing, while Governor Dapo Abiodun personally visited the boxer at the hospital.
