By Our Correspondent
Sagamu, Ogun State
Nigerian-born British boxing star and former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, was on Monday involved in a fatal road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed the lives of two persons.
The crash occurred around midday at the Makun/Sinoma area near Sagamu, Ogun State, just before the Danco Filling Station on the Ibadan-bound lane.
Eyewitness accounts and official reports confirmed that a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua, with registration number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside. The vehicle was reportedly part of a two-car convoy, with a Pajero SUV conveying Joshua’s security detail following behind.
A reporter from PUNCH Online, Adeniyi Orojo, who was at the scene, said the Lexus SUV had four occupants, including Joshua, who was seated behind the driver. According to him, the passenger beside the driver and another occupant seated next to Joshua died instantly.
“Joshua sustained minor injuries and was rescued alive. Other road users and eyewitnesses assisted in rescue efforts before officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived within minutes,” the eyewitness said.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Babaseyi Oluseyi, stated that Joshua and other injured persons were rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
“The Ogun State Police Command confirms a road accident today in front of Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Anthony Joshua and other injured persons have been rushed to the hospital. Further updates will be communicated,” the statement read.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also confirmed the crash, attributing it to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.
In a statement issued by the Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC said the crash involved a black Lexus Jeep and a stationary red Sinotruk.
“A total of five adult males were involved. Two persons lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive with minor injuries,” the statement said.
The FRSC added that the injured victim was taken for medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division was notified for further investigation.
Preliminary findings, according to the Corps, revealed that the Lexus SUV was suspected to be travelling above the legally prescribed speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into the parked truck.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Joshua a speedy recovery.
The FRSC reiterated its warning to motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, excessive speeding and disregard for traffic rules, especially on major highways like the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, urging road users to prioritise safety at all times.
Sagamu, Ogun State
Nigerian-born British boxing star and former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, was on Monday involved in a fatal road accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed the lives of two persons.
The crash occurred around midday at the Makun/Sinoma area near Sagamu, Ogun State, just before the Danco Filling Station on the Ibadan-bound lane.
Eyewitness accounts and official reports confirmed that a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua, with registration number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside. The vehicle was reportedly part of a two-car convoy, with a Pajero SUV conveying Joshua’s security detail following behind.
A reporter from PUNCH Online, Adeniyi Orojo, who was at the scene, said the Lexus SUV had four occupants, including Joshua, who was seated behind the driver. According to him, the passenger beside the driver and another occupant seated next to Joshua died instantly.
“Joshua sustained minor injuries and was rescued alive. Other road users and eyewitnesses assisted in rescue efforts before officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived within minutes,” the eyewitness said.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Babaseyi Oluseyi, stated that Joshua and other injured persons were rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
“The Ogun State Police Command confirms a road accident today in front of Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Anthony Joshua and other injured persons have been rushed to the hospital. Further updates will be communicated,” the statement read.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also confirmed the crash, attributing it to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.
In a statement issued by the Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC said the crash involved a black Lexus Jeep and a stationary red Sinotruk.
“A total of five adult males were involved. Two persons lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive with minor injuries,” the statement said.
The FRSC added that the injured victim was taken for medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division was notified for further investigation.
Preliminary findings, according to the Corps, revealed that the Lexus SUV was suspected to be travelling above the legally prescribed speed limit and lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into the parked truck.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Joshua a speedy recovery.
The FRSC reiterated its warning to motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, excessive speeding and disregard for traffic rules, especially on major highways like the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, urging road users to prioritise safety at all times.
