Pandemonium broke out on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway on Monday after world boxing superstar Anthony Joshua was involved in a grisly road accident that reportedly left two people dead.
The crash occurred shortly after 11am at Makun, Ogun State, near Danco Filling Station, just before the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound lane.
Joshua was travelling in a Lexus SUV with registration number KRD 850 HN when the vehicle slammed into a stationary truck under circumstances now being probed by authorities.
Eyewitnesses said the boxer was part of a two-vehicle convoy, comprising a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV, with his security detail following closely behind.
An eyewitness and first responder, Adeniyi Orojo, who participated in the rescue operation, gave a disturbing account of the incident.
“It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. 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. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.
“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist. A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived. The passenger beside the driver and Joshua died on the spot,” he said.
Another source involved in the rescue effort told newsmen that two occupants died instantly, while Joshua was said to have sustained minor injuries, causing confusion and anxiety over the true state of his condition.
As news of the crash spread, fans stormed social media, expressing shock, fear and prayers for the heavyweight champion.
Attempts to reach the TRACE Commandant, Akinbiyi Babatunde, for official clarification were unsuccessful, as calls to his line did not connect.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with more updates on Anthony Joshua’s condition expected.
