Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has been hospitalised following a serious road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State that resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
The crash reportedly occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Monday in the Makun area of the expressway. The sports utility vehicle conveying the 36-year-old boxer was said to have collided with a stationary truck while travelling in a convoy. Officials confirmed that Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for medical attention.
Graphic videos circulating on social media showed the British-Nigerian boxing star visibly shaken inside a severely damaged Lexus SUV, shirtless and surrounded by shattered glass. In another clip, he was seen seated in an emergency vehicle while engaging with officials at the scene.
Road safety authorities disclosed that five men were involved in the incident. Joshua was seated behind the driver alongside another passenger, while his security team followed in a separate vehicle.
Preliminary investigations, as reported by the Daily Mail, suggest the SUV may have been exceeding the speed limit before losing control during an overtaking attempt. Reports further indicate that a tyre burst occurred moments before the vehicle crashed into the parked truck.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, said the boxer was promptly taken to the hospital after receiving first aid at the scene.
“I can confirm that an accident occurred and Anthony Joshua has been taken to the hospital,” Ogunlowo said. “A moving vehicle rammed into a stationary one, leading to two fatalities. Joshua was treated at the scene before being moved for further care.”
A close associate of the boxer described the incident as traumatic, noting that while Joshua escaped serious injury, he was deeply shaken by the ordeal.
“He managed to get out of the wreckage, but it’s been a very distressing experience. Others were not so fortunate, and he’s still trying to process what happened,” the associate said.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, also reacted to the incident, saying efforts were ongoing to reach the boxer.
“We’re trying to get in touch with Anthony,” Hearn told the Daily Mail. “From the images seen so far, he appears okay, but we don’t want to speculate. We’re awaiting full details.”
In a later statement, the Ogun State Government expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.
“The Ogun State Government commiserates with the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic road crash involving world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua,” the statement read.
“Initial findings show that two male foreign nationals died instantly and their remains have been deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu. Anthony Joshua and the driver were rescued by security personnel and taken to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment.”
Authorities added that the damaged Lexus SUV had been evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division for further investigation, while arrangements were being made to remove the truck involved.
An eyewitness quoted by Punch described chaotic scenes following the crash.
“The convoy had two vehicles—a Lexus SUV and a Pajero. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another passenger beside him. There were four people in the Lexus,” the witness said.
“People around immediately started rescue efforts and stopped passing vehicles for help. The Federal Road Safety Corps arrived a few minutes later.”
Joshua, who has family ties to Sagamu in Ogun State, was reportedly in Nigeria on holiday and travelling to visit relatives at the time of the accident. A family member told the BBC that the incident had left them deeply shaken.
“We’re praying for his recovery and also for the souls of those who lost their lives,” the relative said. “He usually visits during the New Year period, so we were expecting him.”
© 2025 Gossip News Now, a division of CHIEJOS HARBIAN DIGITAL MEDIA LTD. Contact us via admin@gossipnewsnow.online
