World heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua was on Monday involved in a fatal road traffic accident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, an incident that claimed the lives of two of his close associates and sent shockwaves across Nigeria and the global sports community.

The crash occurred around the Makun/Sinoma axis near Sagamu, a notoriously busy stretch of the highway, as a Lexus SUV conveying the Nigerian-born British boxer and members of his team collided with a stationary truck while travelling from Lagos.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said the accident happened suddenly, throwing the area into chaos as passers-by and road users rushed to rescue the occupants of the vehicle before security operatives and emergency responders arrived.

An eyewitness who participated in the rescue operation disclosed that Joshua, who was seated at the back of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and was pulled out of the wreckage in visible pain but conscious.

Sadly, two occupants seated in the front of the vehicle were confirmed dead at the scene. They were later identified as Latif, popularly known as Latz, Joshua’s personal trainer, and Sina, his strength and conditioning coach.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, later attributed the cause of the accident to overspeeding and wrongful overtaking, adding that preliminary investigations showed the SUV rammed into a stationary truck parked along the expressway.

The Ogun State Government also confirmed the incident, disclosing that the remains of the two deceased foreign nationals had been deposited at the Livewell Mortuary in Sagamu.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, the state government expressed profound condolences to the families of the victims and described the accident as deeply unfortunate and painful.

According to the statement, Joshua and the driver of the vehicle survived the crash and were promptly rescued by security personnel attached to his convoy before being taken to a hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

“The sport utility vehicle conveying the occupants was said to have rammed into a stationary truck along the expressway,” the statement noted, adding that the badly damaged vehicle had been evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division office for further investigation.

Reacting to the tragedy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a heartfelt message of sympathy to Anthony Joshua, describing the incident as a painful loss and commending the boxer’s contributions to national pride.

“I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries,” the President said, praying for Joshua’s speedy recovery and the repose of the souls of the departed.

Tinubu added that Joshua’s courage, discipline, and love for the country had made him a source of inspiration to many Nigerians, urging unity and support in moments of grief.

The tragedy drew reactions from across the boxing world and beyond, including American boxer and influencer Jake Paul, who offered his condolences and stressed that life was more important than the sport.

“Life is more important than boxing,” Paul said in his message, sympathising with Joshua over the devastating loss of his team members.

British broadcaster Piers Morgan also weighed in, describing Joshua’s survival as incredible given the severity of the crash that claimed two lives.

“Anthony Joshua has survived a deadly car crash in Nigeria that killed two people. Incredible that Anthony Joshua survived this,” Morgan wrote on X, alongside images from the scene.

The accident came just days after Joshua had been in the news for a different reason following his high-profile bout with Jake Paul, a fight that left the American with a broken jaw.

Paul’s mother, Pam Stepnick, had revealed that Joshua personally apologised to her after the bout, praising his humility and compassion in the aftermath of the fight.

Speaking on the Impaulsive podcast, she recounted how Joshua made his way through the crowd to console her, describing him as respectful and classy despite the intense rivalry.

As investigations continue into the cause of the Ogun crash, authorities have renewed calls on motorists to exercise caution, particularly during the festive season when traffic volume on major highways is usually high.

The Ogun State Government urged drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, while calling on road safety agencies to intensify surveillance across the state to prevent further tragedies.

For Anthony Joshua, the accident marks a sombre end to what was meant to be a festive visit to Nigeria, as he now mourns the loss of two trusted aides whose roles extended beyond the ring into his daily life and career.

As tributes continue to pour in, the boxing star is said to be receiving medical care and emotional support, grappling with a tragedy that has once again highlighted the fragility of life beyond fame, titles, and global acclaim.