Both were 36 and, as well as being long-time friends of Joshua, were employed as personal trainer and sport and exercise rehabilitation coach, respectively.
Further details from the devastating crash scene emerged this week while Babatunde Akinbiyi, a spokesperson for Ogun State’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, confirmed that there had been a preliminary investigation. “From the preliminary investigation that was conducted, definitely there was overspeeding on the part of the SUV Anthony Joshua was travelling in,” Akinbiyi told reporters in Nigeria.
“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 was rushed to the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where he did not require emergency treatment and was said to be in a “stable” condition.
He has now been discharged and is recovering at his home in the country, according to a statement from the regional governments of Lagos and Ogun states posted on X.
It read: “Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon though heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends he was deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home.”
The driver of the Joshua vehicle was also taken to hospital but has reportedly now been discharged and given a statement to police. The Daily Telegraph has been told he was a local driver hired by Joshua and not another of his close friends.
Joshua was in the back of a Lexus SUV when it hit the stationary truck. He was among four passengers in the vehicle, with his security following in a separate car.
The speed limit on that section is 80km/h, with local media claiming it is one of Nigeria’s deadliest roads. The 127km stretch connects the cities of Ibadan and Lagos.
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