British-Nigerian boxing superstar, Anthony Joshua has been involved in a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed two lives.
Local authorities confirming that the former world heavyweight champion sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The two-time heavyweight champion has been hospitalized with minor injuries after fatal accident near his ancestral hometown of Sagamu.
The incident occurred on Monday, December 29, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, near Sagamu, Joshua’s ancestral hometown.
What Happened: Fatal Collision Near Sagamu
According to police and road safety officials, the crash happened at about 11:00 a.m. in the Makun area of Sagamu when a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua collided with a stationary truck parked along the highway.
Ogun State Police Commissioner, Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed the circumstances surrounding the accident in a statement to ESPN.
“The accident happened as a result of a burst tire on AJ’s vehicle, which caused the driver to lose control and the vehicle to swerve into the stationary truck parked along the road,” Ogunlowo told ESPN.
He added:
“For now, I’m aware of two fatalities and Joshua himself has been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.”
“The Command will issue a press release soon.”
Police and FRSC Confirm Two Fatalities
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Command, also confirmed the incident, stating that two occupants of the vehicle died on the spot, while Joshua survived.
FRSC spokesperson Afolabi Odunsi told Daily Trust:
“It’s true, but he (Joshua) is alive. About five people were involved, two died. I will send you a release shortly.”
The Ogun State Police Command later released a separate confirmation, reiterating that two people were killed, while Joshua and other injured occupants were taken to hospital.
Eyewitness Account: Joshua Seated at the Back
An eyewitness, Adeniyi Orojo, who spoke to The Punch, provided further details of the crash, revealing that two vehicles were involved, a Lexus SUV and a Pajero.
“Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him,” Orojo said.
“There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed.”
“His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.”
Reports indicate that the Lexus SUV was part of a two-vehicle convoy, with a security vehicle following behind.
Rescue Efforts and Viral Footage
Videos and photographs from the scene, widely circulated on social media, showed the severely damaged Lexus SUV, bystanders assisting injured occupants, and emergency responders working before FRSC officials arrived.
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) confirmed that members of the public helped with rescue efforts before authorities took control of the scene.
Joshua was reported to be conscious and stable after the crash.
Eddie Hearn Confirms Anthony Joshua ‘Okay’
Joshua, now 36 years old, has deep family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, and was reportedly travelling through the area at the time of the crash.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told told Daily Mail Sport:
“I am away on a family holiday and awoke to the news of this incident.”
“We are trying to contact Anthony and in the meantime we don’t want to speculate on how he is but thankfully he appears OK from what I have seen in the images.”
“We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.”
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have confirmed that investigations into the crash are ongoing, with a detailed official report expected from the Ogun State Police Command and the FRSC.
Crash Comes Days After High-Profile Victory
The tragic incident comes just days after Joshua returned to the global spotlight with a sixth-round knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a highly publicised bout in Miami, United States.
The fight, which was broadcast globally on Netflix, attracted widespread attention. Despite exceeding expectations by lasting several rounds, Paul was eventually stopped in the sixth round.
