British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a car crash on Monday morning in Nigeria’s Ogun State that left two people dead and others injured, local police and eyewitness reports confirmed. The accident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of the country’s busiest highways, sending shockwaves through the boxing world and social media as fans reacted to the news.
Crash Details and Immediate Aftermath
According to the Ogun State Police Command, the collision happened at around 11 a.m. local time near Makun on the northbound stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan highway. The Lexus SUV Joshua was travelling in reportedly lost control while overtaking another vehicle and crashed into a stationary truck parked on the roadside. Two other occupants of the vehicle — one seated beside the driver and one beside Joshua — were pronounced dead at the scene.
Local authorities said that Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries in the crash and was conscious when emergency responders arrived. He was extracted from the wreckage by bystanders before being transported by authorities to a nearby hospital for medical monitoring and treatment.
Footage circulating on social media showed the former world champion boxer wincing in pain and being assisted away from the damaged vehicle by rescuers. Another clip showed him inside a police vehicle after the crash, indicating he was stable enough to be moved under his own power.
Investigation and Possible Causes
Police and road safety officials are investigating the precise causes of the accident, with early reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggesting that excessive speed and a risky overtaking maneuver may have contributed to the SUV losing control. Initial findings also point to possible factors such as a tyre burst or mechanical failure, though authorities have not yet confirmed an official cause.
The expressway where the incident occurred is known locally for high accident rates, attributed to heavy traffic, speeding vehicles, and unsafe driving practices. Local law enforcement has reiterated the importance of road safety enforcement and cautioned drivers to adhere to traffic laws.
Victims and Condolences
The identities of the two people who died in the crash have not been publicly released, and authorities conveyed them to a morgue in Sagamu. Police extended deep condolences to the families of the deceased, emphasizing that the tragic loss of life underscores the need for improved road safety measures.
The other passengers in the SUV, aside from Joshua, included at least one other individual who was taken to the hospital with injuries and is receiving treatment. Details about their conditions remain limited as officials await further updates.
Joshua’s Boxing Career and Recent Activities
Anthony Joshua — a former unified world heavyweight champion and two-time Olympic medallist — was in Nigeria partly for a holiday and family visit following his December 19 knockout victory over social media personality-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami. The win marked his return to the ring after a 15-month absence and reignited discussions about a potential future matchup with British rival Tyson Fury.
Joshua has strong ties to Nigeria through his parents, and he spent part of his childhood in the country before returning to Britain at age 12. His presence in Ogun State has drawn significant attention from local media and fans alike. skysports.com
Reaction From Promoter and Fans
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who was reportedly on holiday when the incident was reported, confirmed he was attempting to contact Joshua’s team for more precise details on his condition. Hearn expressed relief that Joshua appears to be okay based on available images, while also stressing that full information is still pending.
Social media posts have shown widespread concern and support for Joshua’s recovery, with fans also offering condolences for the victims who lost their lives in the accident.
Conclusion and Ongoing Updates
As investigations continue into the Nigeria highway crash, authorities are expected to release further details about the cause of the collision and the identities of the deceased. Fans and the sporting community will be closely watching updates on Joshua’s medical status as he recovers from the accident.
For now, the boxing star’s injuries are reported as minor, but the tragic loss of two lives in the crash highlights broader road safety challenges on major highways in Nigeria and across the region.
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