Two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal crash on Monday 29 December that left him injured and tragically killed two of his friends and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have now detail what they've found in the preliminary investigation in relation to the cause of the crash.
Just days after he defeated Jake Paul in Miami, Joshua was enjoying some downtime in Nigeria – a country he is mightily proud of given his heritage – when he and his close pals Sinha Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene, crashed.
After being rescued by witnesses from the wreckage of the vehicle, Joshua has been taken to a local Nigerian hospital to recover and get the treatment he needs. The families of the British boxer's associates, Ghami and Ayodele, who were killed in the crash, have been notified.
Full Statement From Federal Road Safety Corps After Joshua Crash
Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps took to X (formerly Twitter) to provide a detailed explanation into the incident that took the lives of Ayodele and Ghami. "Preliminary reports from the Ogun Sector Command indicate that the crash occurred at about 1200HRS and was promptly reported to the Corps," they wrote before going over their swift response to the call.
"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.
"Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries," the statement continued, before the vehicle was identified as a black Lexus Jeep, which crashed into a stationary red commercial Sinotruck.
"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."
Initial findings from local authorities have revealed that Joshua's Lexus Jeep was travelling over the 'legally prescribed' speed limit on the road, which links Lagos to northern, southern and eastern parts of the country. The vehicle then lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road. The statement concluded:
"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."
Elsewhere, as reported by the BBC, Police Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi of Nigeria's Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) said early investigations showed the Lexus "experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed" when travelling along the highway from Lagos to Sagamu when it "lost control".
Eddie Hearn and Jake Paul Voice Support for Joshua
Following the news of Joshua being involved in a car crash in Nigera, Matchroom Boxing figurehead and the 36-year-old's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has come out to offer support to his client and long-term friend, who is eyeing a fight with fellow heavyweight Tyson Fury.
"Matchroom Boxing and 258 BXG can confirm that Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment," he wrote before adding: "He is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.
"Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected - and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time. No further comment will be made at this time."
Paul, Joshua's latest opponent inside the ring, also voiced his support. He wrote: "Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident." He later added: "RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif / Latz” Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ."
- Daniel Hepburn
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