TWO persons have been confirmed dead following a road traffic accident involving Nigerian-British boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
The accident occurred on Monday when a vehicle conveying the former world heavyweight boxing champion reportedly collided with a stationary truck on the busy highway.
News Point Nigeria gathered that the vehicle, a Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle with registration number KRD 850 HN, was part of a convoy carrying Joshua when the crash occurred.
Confirming the incident, the Spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command, Afolabi Odunsi, said two people lost their lives in the crash, while the boxer survived the incident.
In a telephone interview with this newspaper, Odunsi disclosed that a total of five persons were involved in the accident.
“It’s true, but he (Anthony Joshua) is alive. About five people were involved, two died. I will send you a release shortly,” the FRSC spokesperson said.
Although details of the identities of the deceased were not immediately disclosed, Odunsi noted that rescue operatives responded promptly to the scene and that investigations had commenced to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Anthony Joshua, who holds dual Nigerian and British citizenship, is widely celebrated globally for his achievements in professional boxing.
He traces his roots to Sagamu in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, where he is regarded as a source of pride and inspiration to many young Nigerians.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by Joshua or his management team regarding the incident.