Latest: Suspected cause emerges in fatal Anthony Joshua road crash

Authorities have revealed the suspected cause of the fatal road accident involving British boxing star Anthony Joshua on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway.

Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus SUV conveying the former two-time heavyweight champion lost control while attempting a high-speed overtaking manoeuvre, before colliding with a stationary truck near a petrol station.

Officials say the vehicle was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit at the time of the crash, a factor believed to have contributed directly to the loss of control.

Two dead, Joshua hospitalized

The crash resulted in the deaths of two occupants of the SUV. Joshua, who was seated in the back of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and was rushed to hospital alongside one other survivor.

Ogun State Police confirmed that both are receiving medical treatment, although the hospital’s name has not been disclosed.

A road safety official confirmed that five adult males, including Joshua and the two deceased victims, were involved in the incident.

Conflicting accounts under investigation

While the Federal Road Safety Corps cited excessive speed during an overtaking attempt as the primary cause, other reports have suggested a possible tyre burst before the vehicle swerved into the truck.

Authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing to establish the precise sequence of events.

Witness accounts paint grim picture

Eyewitnesses described the incident as involving a two-vehicle convoy, with a second SUV carrying Joshua’s security detail trailing behind.

According to witnesses, the passenger seated beside the driver and another seated next to Joshua died instantly at the scene.

Footage circulating online shows bystanders assisting a visibly shaken Joshua from the wreckage shortly after the collision.

Police confirmation and official response

Ogun State Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed the fatalities in an official statement, noting that Joshua and one other individual survived and were hospitalised.

“I can confirm that an accident occurred. Two died, while Joshua and one other were taken to hospital,” he said.

No identities of the deceased have been released.

Context: Joshua’s recent return to Nigeria

Joshua reportedly arrived in Nigeria on Sunday, days after knocking out Jake Paul in a high-profile bout in Miami. He was travelling with members of his team, with no family believed to be present.

Hours before the crash, Joshua shared an Instagram story showing him playing table tennis with a friend. The timing of the footage relative to the accident remains unclear.

Career outlook unclear

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said he has not yet spoken directly with the boxer but understands that he is stable.

The incident comes at a critical time in Joshua’s career, with potential fights lined up in Saudi Arabia and a long-mooted blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury still on the table.