Boxing star survives car crash in Nigeria, two passengers killed

Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua sustained injuries in a car accident that claimed the lives of two people, authorities and eyewitnesses confirmed.

The incident occurred when a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Makun, Ogun State, according to Punch newspaper. The 36-year-old, whose parents are Nigerian, suffered minor injuries. Two other occupants of the vehicle died at the scene. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, The Ring reports.

Eyewitness Adeniyi Orojo, who participated in the rescue efforts, described the collision in detail: “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.”

Joshua, London 2012 Olympic gold medalist, is in Nigeria on holiday following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, where he stopped the former YouTuber in the sixth round of their eight-round contest at Kaseya Center.

By Vafa Guliyeva