The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is blaming over speeding and wrongful overtaking for the fatal road crash involving Anthony Joshua, the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion and two of his closest associates on Monday.
According to the FRSC in a statement signed by Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Corps spokesperson, the crash occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, around the Sinoma area near Sagamu, Ogun State, involving a Lexus Jeep conveying Joshua and a stationary truck.
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Preliminary reports from the Ogun Sector Command indicate that the crash occurred at about 1200hrs and was promptly reported to the Corps. FRSC operatives arrived at the scene within three minutes of notification, enabling swift rescue operations, evacuation of victims, effective traffic control, and prevention of secondary crashes.
“The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN (private) and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number. A total of five adult males were involved in the crash. Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries,” Ogungbemide said in the statement.
Sina Gbami Evolve and Latz were said to be among the victims who lost their lives in the crash.
FRSC said the Joshua was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) was duly notified for further investigation and necessary documentation.
‘Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well parked by the side of the road,” the road safety corps said. “The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.”
Shehu Mohammed, the FRSC Marshal, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery.
“FRSC reiterates its warning to motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, excessive speed, and disregard for traffic regulations, particularly on high-speed corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Motorists are urged to exercise patience, maintain lane discipline, and prioritise safety over haste, especially during the festive travel period,” the statement added.
