British boxing star Anthony Joshua has been injured in a serious road traffic accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two people, according to local officials and multiple international news reports. The crash occurred on Monday on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, one of the country’s busiest highways, while Joshua was travelling in a convoy.
Local authorities said the vehicle carrying the former heavyweight world champion collided with a stationary truck on the roadside. Emergency services were quickly deployed to the scene, where two occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead. Officials described the victims as “foreign nationals” but did not immediately release their identities. Joshua was taken to hospital with injuries that were described as not life-threatening, and he is reported to be in a stable condition.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps said preliminary investigations suggest excessive speed may have contributed to the crash, though a full inquiry is ongoing. Video footage circulating on social media showed Joshua appearing visibly shaken as he was assisted from the damaged vehicle by first responders.
Police in Ogun State confirmed that the bodies of the deceased had been transferred to a nearby morgue, while other occupants of the vehicle were treated for injuries. Authorities extended condolences to the families of those who died and said further details would be released once investigations are concluded.
Joshua, a two-time former world heavyweight champion and one of Britain’s most prominent athletes, was visiting Nigeria following a recent boxing appearance abroad and had been spending time in the country of his heritage. News of the crash prompted an outpouring of concern from fans and figures in the boxing world, with messages of support and prayers for his recovery and for the families of the victims.
The incident has once again drawn attention to road safety concerns on major Nigerian highways, where accidents involving heavy vehicles are common. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is continuing.
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