British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a car crash on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The accident occurred as Joshua was traveling along the busy expressway in the back seat of a Lexus SUV. Local police reports indicate that the crash was likely caused when the vehicle crashed into a stationary truck while overtaking at high speed.
Anthony Joshua, a 36-year-old heavyweight boxer with family ties to Sagamu town in Ogun State, Nigeria, suffered minor injuries in the crash. The incident took place on a stretch of road known as the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, a critical roadway connecting Ibadan and Lagos. The Lagos-Ibadan expressway spans 127 km and is notorious for being one of Nigeria's deadliest roads, especially during the peak travel season when many Nigerians return from abroad to celebrate the holidays.
Eyewitness accounts and images shared on social media depicted Joshua sitting in the back of the vehicle after the collision, surrounded by debris and a damaged car. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the crash's location near the Sagamu Interchange, emphasizing the severity of the impact on Joshua's vehicle.
Authorities reported that a total of five adult males were involved in the crash, with Joshua sustaining minor injuries and receiving medical attention. The Federal Road Safety Corps in Nigeria indicated that preliminary investigations suggested the accident occurred due to the SUV traveling at a speed exceeding the legal limit and losing control during an overtaking maneuver.
According to a relative who spoke to the BBC anonymously, Joshua's family was shocked by the news and expressed hopes for his swift recovery. The family member also mentioned that Joshua was en route from Lagos to the family home, a common practice around the New Year festivities.
Earlier that day, Joshua had posted a video on Instagram playing table tennis, giving no indication of the unfortunate events that would soon transpire. Joshua, who holds several heavyweight championship titles, had recently been in Nigeria following his fight with Jake Paul in December. While Joshua is known for his boxing prowess and accomplishments in the ring, the car crash highlighted the vulnerability of even the most prominent figures to unforeseen accidents.
The crash serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by road travel, particularly in countries where infrastructural challenges and road safety issues persist. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragic incident. More updates are expected to shed light on the sequence of events and potential factors contributing to the crash.
In the aftermath of the accident, messages of support and well-wishes poured in for Anthony Joshua, emphasizing the importance of road safety and the fragility of life. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for caution and vigilance, even for individuals like Anthony Joshua, who are accustomed to facing challenges in the boxing ring.
