Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has been hospitalised following a serious road accident on the notorious Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Nigeria. The incident, which occurred on Monday morning, resulted in two fatalities, though Joshua himself sustained only minor injuries.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The accident took place at approximately 11 am on Monday. According to multiple local reports, Joshua was travelling in a Lexus SUV as part of a two-vehicle convoy, with a Pajero SUV carrying his security detail following behind. The Lexus reportedly collided with a stationary truck on the busy highway in south-west Nigeria.
An eyewitness account published by local outlet Punch stated, "Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed." Initial reports suggest a tyre burst may have caused the driver to lose control, leading the vehicle to swerve into the truck. Local police are investigating the role of mechanical failure and road conditions.
Rescue and Response
Following the crash, eyewitnesses and passersby initiated rescue efforts before officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived at the scene. Joshua was pulled from the wreckage and transported to a hospital for treatment. His long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed he was made aware of the incident while on holiday. Hearn stated he understood Joshua was "OK" and en route to the hospital, but lacked further details at the time.
The crash claimed the lives of two individuals at the scene. Tributes have begun to emerge for the victims as investigations continue. Joshua's team has not yet released an official statement, but sources indicate the boxer remains under medical observation and is expected to make a full recovery from his minor injuries.
The Notorious Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The site of the accident, the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, is frequently cited as one of Nigeria's busiest and most hazardous roads. Known for heavy traffic, speeding, and broken-down vehicles, it has been the scene of numerous fatal incidents. Shockingly, more than 1,200 people were involved in accidents on this expressway in just the first quarter of this year, with 78 fatalities recorded.
Anthony Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, maintains strong ties to the country and visits regularly. This incident comes shortly after his high-profile return to the ring and victory over Jake Paul, which had reignited discussions about his future in the heavyweight boxing division.
