ANTHONY JOSHUA IN HORRIFIC CRASH: TWO FOREIGN NATIVES DEAD, BOXER HOSPITALIZED WITH MINOR INJURIES

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death in a violent road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, Ogun State, on the morning of December 30, 2025. Two foreign nationals traveling with him were killed instantly, while Joshua and his driver were rushed to Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos, where they are receiving treatment for minor injuries.

The crash occurred shortly after Joshua posted a light‑hearted video on Instagram showing him playing table tennis — a final glimpse of normalcy before tragedy struck. According to multiple eyewitnesses and official reports, the boxer’s black Lexus SUV was traveling at high speed toward Sagamu when it lost control while attempting to overtake a slower vehicle. The SUV collided head‑on with a stationary red Sinotruk truck parked near the Sinoma/Makun axis, just before the Danco Filling Station on the Ibadan‑bound side of the expressway.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were the primary causes of the crash. In a statement issued by Public Education Officer Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC disclosed that five adult males were in the vehicle at the time of impact. Two occupants died on the scene, one person sustained injuries, and two — including Joshua — escaped with minor injuries.

“The incident involved a black Lexus SUV and a stationary red commercial Sinotruk. Two people sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries,” Ogungbemide said. He added that FRSC units arrived at the scene within three minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation, and traffic control to prevent secondary crashes.

The corps declined to release the identities of the deceased, citing that they were foreign nationals. However, sources close to Joshua confirmed that one of the victims was Sina “Evolve” Ghami — a pioneering sports rehabilitation specialist and longtime friend of the boxer. Ghami, who served as Joshua’s full‑time rehabilitation coach for over a decade, was instrumental in the fighter’s recovery and performance, including his historic 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium.

*POLICE CONFIRM DETAILS, LAUNCH INVESTIGATION*
The Ogun State Police Command corroborated the FRSC’s account. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the accident occurred around 11:00 a.m. and that Joshua, seated in the rear of the SUV, sustained minor leg injuries. “Two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu. The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced,” Babaseyi said.

*EYEWITNESSES DESCRIBE CHAOS, INITIAL MISIDENTIFICATION*
A roadside hawker who witnessed the crash described the moment as terrifying. “The bang from the impact jolted everyone. At first, we thought it was another bomb blast. When we realized it was an accident, people rushed down. Some started filming, others opened the doors to see if they could rescue anyone,” she recounted.

Another witness reported hearing a survivor shout: “Help the people in the next car — one of them is Anthony Joshua.” The boxer was later seen complaining of leg pain as rescuers pulled him from the wreckage.

Joshua’s family, speaking anonymously to the BBC, expressed shock and relief. “The news of the crash came to the family as a shock. We are hoping for his speedy recovery. For those who have passed away, we pray that their souls rest in peace,” a relative said.

Even rival influencer‑boxer Jake Paul took to social media to express solidarity. “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ, and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident,” Paul wrote on X, just hours after the crash.