Anthony Joshua, the renowned former heavyweight boxing champion, was involved in a serious car accident on Monday, December 29, while traveling in Nigeria. The unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of two lives, as confirmed by local authorities.
The 36-year-old boxer sustained minor injuries in the crash, which occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State. According to reports from the Police Command, the exact cause of the collision is still under investigation. Witness accounts reveal that Joshua was seated in the back of a Lexus at the time of the accident, which saw his vehicle collide with another car.
A witness, Adeniyi Orojo, provided insights to local newspaper The Punch, noting that there were four individuals in the Lexus, with Joshua’s security detail traveling in a separate vehicle behind them. This detail underscores the circumstances surrounding Joshua at the time of the crash, highlighting the presence of additional personnel for his safety.
According to Orojo, the driver’s side passenger and the individual sitting next to Joshua were both declared dead at the scene. The severity of the situation was compounded by the fact that the Lexus collided with a stationary vehicle, leading to tragic consequences.
Local police commissioner, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed that an investigation has been initiated to uncover the circumstances surrounding the accident. He stated, “I can confirm to you that an accident occurred and the victim has been taken to the hospital.” Officers from the police division are en route to the hospital to verify details about the casualties involved in the crash.
Despite sustaining only minor injuries, Joshua’s condition raised immediate concerns. Reports indicate that he was not reachable for comment immediately following the incident, further heightening the urgency surrounding the unfolding situation.
Prior to the crash, Joshua had been enjoying a brief stay in Nigeria after his successful fight against Jake Paul on December 19, where he claimed victory by a sixth-round knockout. His recent athletic accomplishments made him a hot topic, and his presence in Nigeria had garnered significant attention.
Just hours before the accident, around 3:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (9:30 a.m. local time), Joshua shared a video on Instagram, featuring him playing table tennis. The time and location of the video remain uncertain, but it portrays a lighter moment contrasting sharply with the day’s tragic events.
In the aftermath of the crash, photos and videos began to circulate on social media, depicting Joshua sitting shirtless in the back of the damaged vehicle, surrounded by shattered glass. Additional footage shows him in visible discomfort as he attempts to exit the wreckage, a stark reminder of the sudden and brutal reality of car accidents.
As investigations continue into the factors that led to the collision, the tragedy of losing two lives in an incident involving a globally recognized athlete adds another layer of complexity and sorrow to the story. Such events remind us of the unpredictability of life, serving as a moment of reflection not just for Joshua but for all who follow his journey.