Anthony Joshua’s chauffeur has been discharged from hospital and faces potential prosecution over the horror crash that left the boxer hospitalised and two of his friends dead.
Police in Nigeria are also reportedly hunting for the driver of a stationary truck who fled the scene after the Lexus SUV carrying the former world champion and his entourage is believed to have suffered a tyre blowout during a high-speed overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into it.
Government officials have said the truck involved in the collision has been seized and is being held at the Federal Road Safety Corps office at the Sagamu interchange as the investigation continues.
The vehicle’s driver allegedly vanished moments after the tragic accident on the notoriously dangerous Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, The Sun reports.
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The 36-year-old boxer was taken to hospital following the crash and is now in a “stable” condition and “responding to treatment”.
Meanwhile, the driver of the SUV carrying the former heavyweight champion has reportedly been discharged from hospital and has given a statement to police.
Local media report the man could still face prosecution for reckless driving.
A source from the Federal Road Safety Corps said: “Preliminary reports indicate the driver exceeded speed limits and overtook dangerously before the crash.
“These are serious offences under Nigerian law and can attract criminal liability if fatalities are involved.“
Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Police Commander of Nigeria’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, said preliminary findings point to excessive speed and a burst tyre as the cause of the tragedy.
Photos and videos of the crash site show that the truck the motor collided with was parked off the tarmac road, close to the inside lane of a three-lane carriageway.
Both Joshua and the driver, who were sitting on the left side of the vehicle, survived the crash.
The former Olympic champ remains at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos and it is unclear when he will be discharged.
On Tuesday, a devastated Anthony Joshua said “I feel pain all over my body” after the high-speed horror smash.
Sources close to the British fighter told The Sun that the fighter had searing pain in his knees and cried out in agony as he was rescued from the wreckage.
The British boxing legend’s mum, Yeta Odusanya, rushed to her son’s side in hospital and remains there with her boy, according to local media.
While Joshua escaped the mangled wreck of the car, two of his closest friends died at the scene.
Childhood friend Latif Ayodele and trusted fitness guru Sina Ghami were both travelling with the boxing superstar when the horror smash occurred.
Latif and Sina, who were sitting on the same side of the Lexus, are believed to have died instantly.
An injured Joshua was hauled from the car in front of dozens of locals who witnessed the fatal smash with video from the scene showing him wincing as he was pulled from the mangled motor.
The trio were travelling to Sagamu, in south west Nigeria, to spend time with Joshua’s family and celebrate the New Year, when tragedy struck.
The accident came ten days after AJ celebrated knocking out YouTuber Jake Paul in a money-spinning bout in the US.
But insiders fear the grief and mental scars from the road tragedy could put potential mega-fights next year in doubt — including a long-awaited showdown with his bitter UK rival Tyson Fury.
After the crash, the Ogun state government said in a statement: “Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos.
“Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time.
“A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely.”
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, told Joshua to use same courage he shows in the ring to recover from his injuries.
Joshua’s promoters Matchroom declined to comment on his injuries but confirmed: “Anthony is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”
— This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission
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