The driver of the vehicle conveying former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, in which two members of his entourage died following a crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has been discharged from hospital and may face prosecution for reckless driving.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Guardian learnt this during a visit to Duchess International Hospital, Lagos, where Joshua was initially treated for injuries sustained in the accident.
Further checks at the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office at the Sagamu Interchange, where the damaged truck involved in the crash is being held, revealed that the driver has submitted his statement and may be charged.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said:
“Anthony Joshua’s driver has been discharged from the hospital, and he is currently giving his statement.”
Meanwhile, an official of the FRSC disclosed that the truck driver involved in the crash fled the scene immediately after the incident and has since been declared wanted by authorities.
Earlier, the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) in Ogun State said preliminary investigations indicated that a burst tyre triggered the fatal accident.
TRACE explained that the front passenger-side tyre of the SUV in which Joshua was travelling burst, causing the driver to lose control before colliding with a stationary truck.
According to an AFP report, TRACE spokesperson Babatunde Akinbiyi told reporters:
“From the preliminary investigation that was conducted, definitely there was overspeeding 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….”
Joshua, 36, was rushed to Duchess International Hospital and is said to be in stable condition. However, two members of his team — Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele — died at the scene, according to Matchroom Boxing.
In a statement, the promoters said:
“With profound sadness, it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away.”
Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn also paid tribute, saying:
“With the heaviest of hearts. Two great men. Rest in eternal peace Sina and Latz. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with everyone.”
