Anthony Joshua was injured in a horror car crash in Nigeria this week, with two of his close friends killed in the collision as their car crashed into an illegally parked truck.
Nigerian police have launched a manhunt for the lorry driver involved in a collision which left Anthony Joshua injured and claimed the lives of his two friends Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele. The British boxing champion was caught up in a devastating crash near earlier this week when the SUV he was in crashed into a stationary lorry.
Joshua, 36, remains under medical care, with authorities having opened an investigation into the circumstances. According to reports, the lorry driver involved has been declared wanted by police following their disappearance from the scene.
While the manhunt continues, officers have successfully located the vehicle in question. The damaged HGV is currently being held at Sagamu car pound – having been recovered to the facility – according to The Daily Mail.
The soya bean lorry, registered to a Lagos-based company, displays substantial damage, with police tape clearly cordoning off the area.
Authorities have also confirmed that the lorry was illegally parked prior to the collision. “He was parked on the side of the highway which is illegal, he hadn’t broken down and was not with the vehicle when the accident happened,” a Nigerian police officer stated.
The search for the lorry driver follows the discharge from hospital of Joshua’s driver, who may also potentially face prosecution for dangerous driving.
“Anthony Joshua’s driver has been discharged from the hospital, and he’s currently giving his statement,” confirmed CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Police Force, speaking to The Daily Mail.
Babatunde Akinbiyi, representing Ogun State’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, explained: “From the preliminary investigation that was conducted, definitely there was over-speeding on the part of the SUV Anthony Joshua was travelling in. In the course of that, the front tyre on the passenger side burst.
“That led to loss of control before the vehicle now swerved and rammed into the stationary truck that was parked. There was excessive speed.”
The boxer is anticipated to spend several more days in hospital while he recuperates from his injuries, with mother Yeta Odusanya still by his side.
A witness described the scene to Punch newspaper: “It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him.
“There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.
“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist. A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived.”
In the most recent update from Joshua’s camp, his promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute to the two men that died in the crash.
He posted on social media platform Instagram: “Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time [red heart emoji].”
