The driver of the vehicle in which British Nigerian boxing heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was travelling during a tragic accident on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway has been discharged from the hospital. The crash claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close associates and has led to ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies.
The Guardian reports that a visit to Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where Joshua is currently receiving treatment, confirmed that the driver has been released after being treated for injuries sustained in the accident. He has since provided a statement to the police and may face prosecution for reckless driving.
“Anthony Joshua’s driver has been discharged from the hospital and he is currently giving his statement,” confirmed CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson of the Nigerian Police Force.
Further investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps revealed that the driver of the truck involved in the crash fled the scene immediately after the incident and has now been declared wanted. Preliminary findings also point to mechanical failure and excessive speed as contributing factors.
According to the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency in Ogun State, initial investigations showed that a burst tyre on the SUV Joshua was travelling in caused the vehicle to lose control before colliding with a stationary truck.
“From the preliminary investigation that was conducted, definitely there was overspeeding on the part of the SUV Anthony Joshua was travelling in. In the course of that, the front tyre on the passenger side burst. That led to loss of control before the vehicle now swerved and rammed into the stationary truck that was parked. There was excessive speed,” FRSC spokesman Babatunde Akinbiyi told reporters.
Anthony Joshua, 36, was rushed to Duchess International Hospital and is currently in stable condition. Sadly, two members of his team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, lost their lives at the scene of the accident, a development confirmed by Matchroom Boxing.
“With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away,” the promoters said.
Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn also paid tribute, saying, “With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash as tributes pour in for the late Ghami and Ayodele from the boxing community and fans around the world.
