The Ogun State Government has disclosed that two of the victims who died in the road crash involving world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua were foreign nationals.
Chronicle NG reports that the incident occurred shortly after 11 am on Monday.
The crash happened just before the Danco Filling Station in Makun, ahead of the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.
He revealed that the Lexus Jeep carrying Joshua, with number plate KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck.
Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, issued a statement on Monday expressing the state government’s sympathies to the deceased’s relatives, friends, and acquaintances.
Providing additional details, Akinmade said, “The fatal accident occurred along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, within the Makun axis of Ogun State, and sadly claimed the lives of two persons.
“Anthony Joshua and three other individuals were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Sagamu at the time of the incident.
“Preliminary reports indicate that two male foreign nationals died on the spot. Their remains have since been deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu.”
According to the statement, Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were rescued by security personnel assigned to his convoy and sent to a hospital, where they are currently getting medical care.
“The sport utility vehicle conveying the occupants was said to have rammed into a stationary truck along the expressway.
“While the severely damaged vehicle has been evacuated to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division (MTD) office, efforts are ongoing to tow the truck involved to the same location to facilitate a comprehensive investigation,” it added.
The state government described the tragedy as “deeply unfortunate and painful,” noting that the loss of life was devastating, despite the fact that other victims had varied degrees of injury and were being treated.
The government asked motorists to be cautious and rigorously adhere to traffic restrictions, particularly during the holiday season, when traffic congestion is often high.
It also urged road safety officials and other security organizations to increase surveillance and enforcement throughout the state.
“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident,” the statement added, while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the speedy recovery of those injured.
