How Speeding, Wrongful Overtaking Nearly Claimed Anthony Joshua’s Life

How Speeding, Wrongful Overtaking Nearly Claimed Anthony Joshua’s Life
Atiku, Abiodun mourn victims, pray for Joshua’s recovery
FRSC said its operatives arrived at the scene within 3 minutes of receiving the distress call

Excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were responsible for the fatal auto crash involving world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, an accident that claimed the lives of 2 of his close associates.

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Eko Hot Blog gathered that the crash occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on Monday while Joshua and members of his team were travelling to Sagamu, Ogun State.

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According to preliminary findings by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) conveying the boxer was travelling beyond the prescribed speed limit when the driver attempted an overtaking manoeuvre, lost control and slammed into a stationary truck parked by the roadside.

The impact killed Latz and Sina instantly. Sina was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, who had worked closely with the boxer in preparation for his recent bout against Jake Paul, just 2 weeks earlier.

Joshua, who was seated at the back of the vehicle alongside another passenger, survived the crash along with the driver. Both were rescued by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives attached to his convoy and rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.

A shirtless Anthony Joshua at the scene of accident at Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Livewell Mortuary in Sagamu, while the damaged SUV was towed to the Motor Registry Department (MRD) office.

In a statement, the FRSC said its operatives arrived at the scene within 3 minutes of receiving the distress call, enabling prompt rescue, evacuation of victims and traffic control to prevent secondary crashes.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the Lexus Jeep was travelling at excessive speed. During wrongful overtaking, the driver lost control and crashed into a stationary truck that was properly parked by the roadside,” the FRSC stated.

Reacting to the tragedy, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, through his Special Adviser on Information, Kayode Akinmade, described the incident as painful and urged motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, especially during the festive period.

“Our hearts go out to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident. We pray for the repose of their souls and the speedy recovery of the injured,” the governor said.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, extended condolences to the bereaved families and reiterated warnings against speeding and dangerous overtaking on major highways, stressing that such violations remain the leading causes of fatal road crashes in Nigeria.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed sympathy with the boxer, describing him as a symbol of resilience and wishing him a quick recovery.

The accident has once again raised concerns about road safety enforcement, driver discipline, and the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s major highways.