British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious car accident on Monday morning along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria, leaving two people dead and the former world champion injured.
The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. near the Makun area, close to the Sagamu Interchange.
Reports indicate that the Lexus SUV transporting Joshua collided with a stationary truck while attempting an overtaking manoeuvre at high speed.
Authorities from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that five adult males were involved in the crash.
Two people lost their lives, one person sustained injuries, and two others escaped unhurt. Joshua, 36, who has family roots in Sagamu, was rescued from the wrecked vehicle with minor injuries and taken to a local hospital for medical attention.
“The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus SUV, registration number KRD 850 HN, and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck,” the FRSC said in a statement signed by Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre,” Ogungbemide added.
The FRSC urged motorists to exercise caution, maintain lane discipline, and prioritise safety over haste, especially during the busy festive period, when traffic volume on major corridors, like Lagos-Ibadan Expressway increases significantly.
Eyewitnesses told local media that Joshua was seated behind the driver at the time of the crash, with another passenger beside him.
A separate vehicle carrying his security detail was reportedly following the Lexus before the collision occurred. Video footage circulating on social media shows the boxer sitting topless in the back of a vehicle amid broken glass, appearing shaken but conscious.
Joshua had been in Nigeria following his recent fight against Jake Paul on 19 December. A relative of the boxer, speaking to the BBC on condition of anonymity, said the family was shocked by the news.
“We are hoping for his speedy recovery, and we pray for the souls of those who passed away,” the relative said.
Joshua had been travelling from Lagos to visit family, a customary New Year period routine.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that an investigation into the crash has been launched. Police officials are currently working to verify the identities of the deceased and the extent of injuries sustained by all involved parties.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery. He reiterated the importance of adhering to traffic regulations, cautioning drivers against reckless overtaking and over-speeding, particularly on high-speed corridors.
