Nigerian-born British boxer, Anthony Joshua (aka AJ), was, on Monday morning, involved in a ghastly road accident which left two persons dead.
As reported by the Punch Newspaper, the former world heavyweight champion, who has since been hospitalised, had the road accident in the Makun, Sagamu area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.
The incident has been confirmed in a statement by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Babaseyi Oluseyi.
As earlier reported by a reporter of PUNCH Online who was at the scene, the road accident occurred shortly after 11 am on Monday.
The reporter, Adeniyi Orojo, stated that the accident happened just before the Danco Filling Station in Makun, ahead of the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.
It was further reported that a Lexus Jeep carrying Joshua, with number plate KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck, just as the eyewitness stated that the former world boxing champion sustained minor injuries, while two others died at the scene.
“It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. A passenger sat beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed.
His security detail followed in the vehicle behind.
“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles for help. Minutes after the crash, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials arrived.
“The passenger beside the driver and the person beside Joshua died on the spot,” he said.
Oluseyi, the Ogun Police PPRO confirmed in a statement that Joshua and other injured persons were involved in a car accident and rushed to an undisclosed hospital.
“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 Ogun Police image-maker added in the statement.
Also the FRSC has confirmed the fatal road accident, blaming excessive speeding and wrongful overtaking for the motor crash that involved Anthony Joshua.
The Assistant Corps Marshal
(Corps Public Education Officer), FRSC Headquarters, Abuja, Olusegun Ogungbemide, stated this in a release.
The FRSC confirmed that the fatal road traffic crash occured along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, around the Sinoma area near Sagamu, Ogun State, involving a Lexus Jeep conveying world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, and a stationary truck.
“Preliminary reports from the Ogun Sector Command indicate that the crash occurred at about 1200HRS and was promptly reported to the Corps.
“FRSC operatives arrived at the scene within three (3) minutes of notification, enabling swift rescue operations, evacuation of victims, effective traffic control, and prevention of secondary crashes.
“The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN (private) and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with an unknown registration number.
“A total of five adult males were involved in the crash. Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.
“The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu.
“The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) was duly notified for further investigation and necessary documentation.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road.
“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.
“To this end, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, on behalf of the entire Management and staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured victim, Anthony Joshua, a speedy recovery,” it was stated in the release.
FRSC reiterated its warning to motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, excessive speed, and disregard for traffic regulations, particularly on high-speed corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
“Motorists are urged to exercise patience, maintain lane discipline, and prioritise safety over haste, especially during the festive travel period.
“The public is reminded that the Corps remains resolute in its mandate to ensure safer roads, prompt emergency response, and sustained public education aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities across the country,” it added.
