Anthony Joshua automobile crash defined: What occurred as two useless and boxer in hospital
Anthony Joshua was involved in a horror car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two people – Daily Star Sport rounds up all we know so far here
Anthony Joshua was involved in a horror car crash on Monday morning in Nigeria, with two people tragically killed in the incident.
The British boxing heavyweight was travelling as a rear passenger along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when his car, a Lexus Jeep, smashed into a stationary lorry. Images on social media showed the 36-year-old seemingly stunned and wincing in pain as motorists stopped to aid the injured fighter and free him from the wreckage.
Joshua was taken to a nearby hospital having reportedly suffered minor injuries. Here Daily Star Sport has rounded up all the events so far.
How it happened
The crash is set to have happened just after 11am on Monday (December 29) as Joshua travelled near Makun, Ogun State, where he has family roots in Sagamu.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Nigeria says the car – a Lexus Jeep – was suspected of travelling over the speed limit and crashing while overtaking and collided with the stationary lorry.
FRSC added, on social media, that its team “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”.
They added: “The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number. A total of five adult males were involved in the crash.
“Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.
“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.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road.”
What police have said
Local police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo said an investigation into the accident has been ordered. He said: “I can confirm to you that an accident occurred and the victim has been taken to the hospital.”
While Divisional Police Officer in Sagamu, Ode Fredrick, said officers were heading to the hospital to confirm the casualties involved in the accident.
Ogun State Police Command confirmed to the BBC that two people died and Joshua and other injured people have been taken to “an undisclosed hospital”.
What Eddie Hearn has said
The Daily Star’s sister paper the Daily Mirror reached out to Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, who is currently holidaying in the Caribbean and had just learned about the accident.
Hearn said he believed Joshua was okay and was en route to the hospital, but could not provide any additional details at that time.
What Anthony Joshua’s family said
One member of Joshua’s family members, who wished to remain unnamed, spoke the BBC and admitted news of the crash has “come to the family as a shock”.
“We are hoping for his speedy recovery and also the people who passed away – I pray for the departed to rest in peace,” they said.
They added Joshua had been travelling from Lagos to their family home: “He’s normally coming around for the new year. We haven’t seen him so we were expecting him.”
Health update
There are yet to be any updates about the injuries Joshua sustained in the crash.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh posted on social media: “Thank God brother you are safe, and my condolences to the ones who passed away in this incident , and my sincere wishes to the injured people to come back healthier and stronger.”
Alycia Baumgardner, the American boxer who successfully defended her WBO, IBF and WBA junior lightweight titles against Leila Beaudoin on the undercard of Joshua’s victorious fight against influencer Jake Paul earlier this month, also shared her well-wishes.
She posted: “Life can change in an instant. Moments like this bring everything into perspective. Keeping AJ, everyone involved, and their families covered in prayer.”
