**LAGOS, NIGERIA** – British boxing luminary Anthony Joshua has been involved in a devastating road traffic incident in Ogun State, Nigeria, which tragically claimed the lives of two members of his entourage. The heavyweight champion sustained minor injuries in the collision that occurred on Monday morning, according to preliminary reports.
The incident unfolded around 11 am on a major thoroughfare in Ogun State, specifically the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as Joshua’s vehicle was en route from Lagos to Sagamu. Joshua was reportedly a passenger in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle suffered a tyre blowout, a circumstance investigators are examining as a potential catalyst for the subsequent loss of control. The SUV subsequently collided with a stationary truck, resulting in a catastrophic impact.
Tragically, the force of the collision proved fatal for two individuals travelling with Joshua: Sina Ghami, a member of his training staff, and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, identified as another team member. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene and their remains were subsequently transported to the Livewell hospital morgue in Sagamu. The driver of Joshua's vehicle also sustained injuries, and alongside Joshua, was extricated from the wreckage.
Joshua, a two-time unified world heavyweight champion, was promptly attended to and transported to a local medical facility for assessment and treatment. While his injuries are described as minor, he remains under observation. The news has sent ripples through the sporting world, with his promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressing profound sorrow. "Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz," Hearn stated. "My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone."
The gravity of the situation has transcended the sporting sphere, prompting a direct response from the highest echelons of Nigerian governance. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally contacted Joshua to offer his condolences. "I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates in the recent accident," President Tinubu communicated. "I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him."
Authorities in Ogun State, spearheaded by Police Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) and Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo, have launched a comprehensive investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the accident. Early indications from the police suggest that excessive speed may have contributed to the tyre burst, precipitating the chain of events. Officers are meticulously gathering evidence to ascertain the full picture.
The tragic loss of Ghami and Ayodele casts a pall over Joshua's visit to his ancestral homeland, a trip that was ostensibly intended for personal and potentially philanthropic engagements. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with road travel, even for those accustomed to high-stakes environments. The focus now shifts to supporting the bereaved families and ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation into the crash. Privacy has been respectfully requested for the families of the deceased during this immensely difficult period.