British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal road accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on Monday, which resulted in the death of two individuals and left others, including Joshua, with injuries.

The incident, confirmed by various authorities and eyewitnesses, occurred around 11 a.m. on Monday near the Danco Filling Station in Makun, specifically before Sinoma and close to the Sagamu Interchange axis on the Ibadan-bound side of the expressway. A Lexus Jeep, identified by license plate KRD 850 HN and conveying Joshua, collided with a stationary truck.

Ogun State Police Command and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the two fatalities, noting that Joshua sustained minor injuries. Eyewitnesses, including Adeniyi Orojo, reported that Joshua was seated behind the driver in the Lexus. Five persons were involved in total, with two deceased, one injured (Joshua), and two others unhurt, while Joshua's security detail was reportedly in a vehicle behind them before the crash.

The FRSC Ogun Sector Command attributed the cause of the crash to over-speeding and wrongful overtaking by the Lexus driver, who reportedly overtook from the right-hand side before ramming into the stationary vehicle. The bodies of the deceased were later deposited at Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu.

Following the incident, Joshua and other injured persons were promptly rushed to an undisclosed hospital by his security detail and rescue teams. Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, confirmed the accident and stated that an ambulance was immediately dispatched. DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Police Command, issued a statement confirming the accident and assuring the public of an ongoing thorough investigation into the circumstances. Afolabi Odunsi, FRSC Spokesperson for Ogun Command, also confirmed the incident and the casualties, noting the Sagamu unit of FRSC rescue team was at the scene as soon as they were informed.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating he was “deeply saddened” by the news. In a post on his verified X account, Atiku offered prayers for Joshua’s swift and complete recovery and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the two individuals who tragically lost their lives, wishing them comfort and strength in their time of sorrow.

Anthony Joshua, 36, who has family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, was reportedly holidaying in Nigeria, his home country, after a recent multi-million dollar, sixth-round stoppage victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a widely publicized Netflix superfight in Miami. Despite securing the win, the bout was described by some commentators as slow-paced, with questions raised about the limited volume of punches thrown by both fighters and criticism directed at the referee for allowing the contest to continue. Post-fight, Joshua had issued a challenge to fellow former world champion Tyson Fury, reigniting calls for a long-discussed heavyweight showdown.

Both police and traffic authorities have emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash and verify all details related to the incident and casualties.