Former two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from a Nigerian hospital, where he was being treated for minor injuries sustained in a devastating road accident.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The 36-year-old athlete was a passenger in the back of a black SUV when it collided with a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos. The crash, which occurred while Joshua was on holiday in Nigeria after his December 19th victory over Jake Paul in Miami, proved fatal for two of his close friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home on Wednesday afternoon to pay their respects to the victims before their bodies were repatriated to the UK. A statement posted on social media platform X confirmed his release, noting he was "heavy hearted and full of emotions" but deemed clinically fit to recuperate at his home in the country.
Police Investigation and Driver Search
Nigerian police have launched a manhunt for the driver of the lorry involved in the smash. Authorities revealed that the soya bean truck was parked illegally on the highway at the time of the collision and was not broken down. The driver was not with the vehicle when the accident happened.
The damaged HGV, which shows serious impact damage, has been located and is being held at the Sagamu car pound. Meanwhile, the driver of Joshua's car has also been discharged from hospital. Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin stated the driver is currently giving his statement, adding that he could face prosecution for reckless driving.
Recovery and Gratitude
The statement from Joshua's team expressed profound thanks to the medical staff at Lagoon Hospital Ikoyi, praising their "quality of care and professionalism." Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, is now continuing his recovery privately.
This tragic incident casts a shadow over what should have been a celebratory period for the boxer following his recent professional win, underscoring the sudden and profound impact of road traffic accidents.
