Sports
Anthony Joshua’s Driver ‘Facing Charges’ as He’s Released From Hospital
Boxing superstar Anthony Joshua’s chauffeur now ‘faces prosecution’ following a crash that killed two of his friends – Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele – and left the former two-time heavyweight champion more seriously injured than first thought. The driver has only just been discharged from hospital and has since been required to give a police statement, after fresh allegations emerged.
Nigerian authorities are also reportedly searching for the driver of a stationary truck who fled the scene. The Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his entourage is believed to have suffered a tyre blowout during a high-speed overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into the truck. Officials say the vehicle involved has been seized and is being held at the Federal Road Safety Corps office at the Sagamu interchange as the investigation continues.
The truck driver allegedly disappeared moments after the tragic accident on the notoriously dangerous Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which has sparked a manhunt according to the Daily Mail. Joshua, 36, was taken to hospital following the crash and is now said to be in a “stable” condition and “responding to treatment.”
Joshua’s Chauffeur Investigated For Reckless Driving
According to The Guardian in Nigeria, Joshua’s driver could face prosecution for reckless driving. A source from the Federal Road Safety Corps said:
“Preliminary reports indicate the driver exceeded speed limits and overtook dangerously before the crash. These are serious offences under Nigerian law and can attract criminal liability if fatalities are involved.”
Babatunde Akinbiyi, Police Commander of Nigeria’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, said preliminary findings suggest excessive speed and a burst tyre caused the tragedy.
Photos and videos from the crash site show the truck the vehicle collided with was parked off the tarmac, close to the inside lane of the three-lane carriageway. Joshua and the driver, who were both seated on the left side of the vehicle, survived the crash.
Latest Update on Joshua’s Condition
On New Year’s Eve, the 36-year-old boxer was confirmed to be staying at Duchess International Hospital in Lagos until the New Year, but has since been discharged. On Monday, a devastated Anthony Joshua said, “I feel pain all over my body” after the crash. Sources close to the British fighter told The Sun that AJ suffered searing pain in his knees and cried out in agony as he was rescued from the wreckage.
His mother, Yeta Odusanya, rushed to her son’s side in hospital and remains there with him, according to local media. After the crash, the Ogun State government said in a statement: “Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos.
“Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time.”
However, insiders fear the grief and mental scars from the road tragedy could place potential mega-fights next year in doubt – including a long-awaited showdown with his UK rival, Tyson Fury.
