NEWS
Tragedy on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway: Tyre Burst Causes Fatal Crash Involving Anthony Joshua, Two Team Members Killed — Ogun Police Command Confirms
A tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State has claimed the lives of two members of Nigerian-British boxing star Anthony Joshua’s team, following a tyre burst that led to a fatal collision, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed.
The crash occurred when a Lexus SUV conveying the former world heavyweight champion collided with a stationary truck along the busy expressway.
According to authorities, the vehicle was en route from Lagos to Sagamu when the incident happened.
Anthony Joshua, who was travelling as a passenger in the vehicle, sustained injuries in the crash and was immediately rushed to a hospital for urgent medical attention. He was later confirmed to be in stable condition.
Confirming the development, the Police Commander of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, disclosed that preliminary investigations pointed to excessive speed as the cause of the accident.
According to Akinbiyi, the vehicle “experienced a tyre burst due to excessive speed” and subsequently “lost control,” leading to the collision with the stationary truck.
He further explained that emergency responders rescued Joshua and the driver from the wreckage before conveying them to a hospital in Sagamu for treatment.
However, the incident turned fatal for two other occupants of the vehicle.
“The two other passengers, Mr Sina Ghami and Mr Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, were pronounced dead at the scene,” Akinbiyi said.
Matchroom Boxing, Anthony Joshua’s promotional company, later identified the deceased as close friends and key members of the boxer’s inner team, describing the loss as deeply painful.
In an official statement, the company disclosed that Joshua was taken to hospital for “checks and treatment” and would remain under medical observation.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected, and we ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
Reacting to the devastating loss, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn, paid an emotional tribute to the deceased, describing them as “two great men.”
“Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone,” Hearn said.
The incident has cast a pall over the boxing community and fans worldwide, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.