FRSC rescues Anthony Joshua as two die in Ogun road crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed a fatal road traffic crash along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State that claimed two lives and left world-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua with minor injuries.

The crash occurred on Monday around the Sinoma area near Sagamu and involved a Lexus sport utility vehicle conveying Mr Joshua and a stationary commercial truck, according to the FRSC’s Ogun State Sector Command.

In a statement on Monday, the FRSC said the incident was reported at about noon and its operatives arrived at the scene within minutes to carry out rescue operations, manage traffic and prevent secondary crashes on the busy corridor.

Preliminary reports indicate that the crash involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep with private registration number KRD 850 HN and a red Sinotruk truck whose registration details were not immediately available. Five adult males were involved in the incident.

“Two persons lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries,” the FRSC said.

The injured victim was taken to a medical facility for treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Ajaka, Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division was notified to conduct further investigations and complete necessary documentation.

According to the FRSC, preliminary findings suggest that the Lexus Jeep was travelling at a speed suspected to be above the legally prescribed limit when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into the stationary truck, which was reportedly properly parked by the roadside.

The Corps said excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were identified as the main causes of the crash, describing both as serious traffic violations and among the leading causes of fatal road accidents on Nigerian highways.

The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the crash and wished Mr Joshua and the other injured victim a speedy recovery.

“The Corps 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,” the statement said.

It urged drivers to exercise patience, maintain lane discipline and prioritise safety over haste, especially during the festive travel period when traffic volume is typically high.

The FRSC said it remains committed to ensuring safer roads through prompt emergency response, sustained enforcement and public education aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities across the country.

Anthony Joshua, a former unified heavyweight boxing champion, is one of Nigeria’s most prominent sports figures and a global boxing star. His involvement in the crash drew swift public attention, but the FRSC said its response followed standard emergency protocols applicable to all road users.

The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway is Nigeria’s busiest highway and has been the site of frequent crashes, often attributed to speeding, reckless driving and heavy traffic, particularly during holiday seasons.