The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has attributed the road accident involving British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua to speeding and wrongful overtaking.
The crash happened on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, according to the agency.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide.
He explained that the incident took place about an hour before noon around the Sinoma axis near Sagamu in Ogun State, involving a black Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and a stationary red Sinotruck.
Preliminary investigations by the FRSC Ogun Sector Command revealed that five adult males were involved in the collision.
Two of them lost their lives at the scene, while one person sustained injuries and two others escaped without harm. Joshua was said to have been rescued alive with minor injuries.
Providing further details, the statement said, “The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu.
“The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division was duly notified for further investigation and necessary documentation. Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road.
“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.”
The Corps also conveyed the sympathy of the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, to those affected by the tragedy, stating, “On behalf of the entire Management and staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps, heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased, and we wish the injured victim, Anthony Joshua, a speedy recovery.”
The FRSC used the opportunity to caution road users to make safety a priority, especially during the festive period, warning against reckless driving habits such as speeding and unsafe overtaking.
It also reiterated its dedication to improving road safety through strict enforcement, timely rescue operations, and sustained public awareness campaigns.
“The public is reminded that the Corps remains resolute in its mandate to ensure safer roads, prompt emergency response, and sustained public education aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities across the country,” the statement added.
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