Anthony Joshua crash: FRSC cites excessive speed, unsafe overtaking as probable causes

World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua survived a road crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday that killed two people and left one injured, Nigerian authorities said.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said preliminary investigations indicated the black Lexus SUV carrying Joshua lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle at high speed and collided with a stationary commercial truck. Five adult men were in the vehicles at the time; two died, one was injured, and two others escaped unharmed. Joshua sustained minor injuries.

“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” FRSC spokesman Olusegun Ogungbemide said. He added that the injured were taken to a medical facility, while the deceased were taken to the Livewell Morgue in Ajaka, Sagamu.

The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division is leading further investigations.

Ogun State authorities described the incident as “tragic and deeply painful.” Joshua and the vehicle’s driver were rescued by security personnel attached to his convoy and are receiving medical attention. The state government called for caution on busy roads during the festive season and urged motorists to obey traffic regulations.

The crash comes just nine days after Joshua defeated YouTube star Jake Paul in Miami, marking a rare respite in the boxer’s career from global competition.