The governments of Ogun and Lagos states have confirmed that British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua and another passenger are in stable condition following a road traffic accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
In a joint statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinlade, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, the governments said Joshua and the other survivor were evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos for treatment.
According to the statement, comprehensive clinical assessments were conducted, after which doctors confirmed that both patients were stable and did not require emergency medical intervention. It added that a full medical team has been assembled to continue monitoring them closely.
The statement disclosed that the accident occurred earlier on Monday in the Makun area of Ogun State and involved a vehicle conveying a team of four, including the 35-year-old former unified world heavyweight champion. The vehicle reportedly collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the death of two occupants.
The governments expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, describing the incident as tragic, and prayed for strength for the bereaved families. They also confirmed that Joshua is conscious and has been in communication with his family.
Authorities said both state governments are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that all affected persons receive the best possible medical care, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash have commenced. Members of the public were also urged to respect the privacy of Joshua and his family.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed the crash to overspeeding and wrongful overtaking, based on preliminary findings. The Corps said the Lexus SUV involved was suspected to have been travelling beyond the prescribed speed limit when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Joshua a speedy recovery, warning that excessive speed and dangerous overtaking remain among the leading causes of fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.
