The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh statement following a fatal car crash that claimed two lives on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and injured boxer Anthony Joshua.
The 36-year-old British-Nigerian boxer was among four passengers travelling in a Lexus Jeep when it collided with a stationary truck near Makun, Ogun State, at around 11:00AM local time on Monday.
Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the vehicle was suspected to have been overtaking at speed before striking the truck, which had broken down by the roadside. Two people were killed, while Joshua and another passenger were rescued by his security team before being taken to hospital.
In a joint statement released on Monday evening, the governments of Ogun and Lagos States confirmed Joshua’s condition after what they described as a “road traffic accident involving Anthony Joshua.”
“Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients [Joshua and a second passenger] are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time,” the statement read.
“A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely.”
The update adds that Joshua is “conscious” and “has been in communication with his family.”
Officials also confirmed that “the Governments of Ogun and Lagos States are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the affected persons receive the best possible medical care.”
Investigations into the cause of the crash are already underway, BBC News reports.
“While the severely damaged vehicle has been evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division (MTD) office, efforts are ongoing to tow the truck involved to the same location to facilitate a comprehensive investigation,” the Ogun State government said.
BBC News correspondent Mayeni Jones reported that local media have long described the Lagos-Ibadan expressway as “one of Nigeria’s deadliest roads.”
A witness told the BBC that the vehicle had crashed into the stationary truck while attempting to overtake.
Footage circulating online showed the former heavyweight champion grimacing as he was pulled from the wreckage. Police confirmed that Joshua suffered minor injuries and is “fine.”
The two men who died in the collision are believed to be foreign nationals, though their identities have not yet been made public. The UK Foreign Office said it is “urgently investigating” the incident.
Joshua had reportedly been travelling from Lagos to visit family in Sagamu, Ogun State, a town where his relatives still live. One family member told the BBC of their shock, saying the boxer “normally visits Nigeria around the new year.”
YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul — who Joshua recently defeated in the ring — posted a message in response to the news, writing: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Investigations Continue
Police and local authorities are now piecing together the full details of the crash, which occurred on one of the busiest highways in the country. As the Ogun and Lagos State governments reiterated, “Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident have also commenced.”
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the two-time unified world heavyweight champion, who continues to receive treatment under medical supervision, as fans share tributes to those lost and prayers for their loved ones.
Joshua’s fans and fellow athletes have flooded social media with messages of support, while officials continue to stress that the 36-year-old’s condition is stable and improving.
Featured image credit: Instagram/AnthonyJoshua
