Former two-time unified world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, narrowly escaped death on Monday after the black SUV he was a passenger in was involved in a devastating collision with a truck on Nigeria’s notoriously dangerous Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The horrific incident, which occurred around 11 a.m. in Ogun State, resulted in the tragic loss of two lives.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of utter chaos and destruction as the SUV, carrying the British-Nigerian boxing icon, violently impacted a heavy-duty truck. The force of the crash scattered the truck’s goods across the busy highway, bringing traffic to a standstill and drawing a large crowd of concerned onlookers.
Harrowing photographs and raw video footage circulating online depict first responders working frantically to extract Joshua from the mangled wreckage. The images show crumpled metal and the severity of the impact, underscoring the miraculous nature of the boxer’s survival. While Joshua’s condition was quickly stabilized, authorities confirmed that two other individuals involved in the crash, whose identities have not yet been released, tragically succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The Ogun State Police Command swiftly confirmed the incident, stating that Anthony Joshua is currently in stable condition at a local hospital. Investigations into the precise cause of the collision are underway. “Our officers are on the ground and have commenced a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragic accident,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
The news sent shockwaves across Nigeria and the international boxing community. Nigeria’s prominent opposition leader, Atiku Abubakar, was among the first to react, extending his sympathies and prayers. “Anthony Joshua remains a symbol of strength and resilience for Nigerians,” Abubakar stated, adding, “My deepest condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.”
The Lagos-Ibadan expressway, a vital artery connecting Nigeria’s commercial hub to other parts of the country, has long been plagued by poor road conditions, reckless driving, and insufficient enforcement, frequently leading to devastating accidents. This latest tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the persistent road safety challenges faced by commuters on one of West Africa’s busiest routes.
As investigations continue, the nation breathes a collective sigh of relief for Joshua’s survival, while mourning the lives lost and once again grappling with the urgent need for enhanced safety measures on its highways.
