Anthony Joshua's uncle has revealed that the family has been desperately contacting hospitals to locate the heavyweight boxer following a car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close associates. The accident occurred on Monday when a tyre burst caused the vehicle Joshua was travelling in to collide with a stationary lorry on the Lagos-Ibadan highway.
Joshua, who sustained minor injuries, is reported to be in a stable condition at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos. His personal trainer Latif 'Latz' Ayodele and sport and exercise rehabilitation coach Sina Ghami were both killed in the incident. Local police commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed that an inquiry has been launched.
Speaking to journalists in Ijokun, Joshua's uncle Adedamola Joshua described the family's shock and frustration at being unable to see the boxer. 'Since the incident happened, we have been rallying round to see if it is possible to get to see our son but that has been impossible because of his status,' he said. 'We don't know the hospital he was taken to, and we can understand that such is being done to protect him being a world figure.'
Adedamola Joshua added that the family has been in contact with Joshua's parents, who confirmed he is fine. He expressed a desire for at least three family members to be allowed to visit, while respecting the authorities' decision to keep his location confidential for security reasons.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed via social media that the boxer appears to be 'OK', though he urged caution until more information was available. A witness at the scene described how Joshua was seated behind the driver in a Lexus SUV, with four occupants in total. The passenger beside the driver and the person beside Joshua died instantly.
