The tragic road accident involving British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has sparked intense debate and analysis online, particularly concerning who was responsible for the crash that claimed two lives.
Eyewitness Analysis Points to Driver Error
A viral video showing the aftermath of the collision has led a popular Nigerian social media commentator to publicly assign blame. The user, known online as @Wizarab10, scrutinised footage of the stationary truck involved in the incident and concluded that the driver of the boxer's vehicle was at fault.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), @Wizarab10 posed a critical question: "How do you hit a parked truck that is off the road so bad it killed 2 people in a hot afternoon?" His analysis suggested that the position of the truck, which was reportedly parked on the hard shoulder of the road, meant the driver of the car carrying Joshua and his associates must have been negligent.
The accident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State. The car, carrying Anthony Joshua, three other men, and the driver, collided with the stationary truck. Tragically, two of Joshua's close associates lost their lives in the impact. Joshua himself sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital in a police van, as no ambulance was immediately available at the scene.
Public Reaction and Broader Safety Concerns
The online analysis by @Wizarab10 ignited a wave of reactions from Nigerians, turning the personal tragedy into a national conversation about road safety and emergency response.
One user, @IamEriOluwa, echoed a sentiment felt by many, stating there was "no way anyone should even be speeding like that." The comment highlighted widespread frustration with the lack of enforcement of speed limits and the absence of functional emergency services. The user emphasised that efficient rescue services "doesn't have to be an Anthony Joshua for a Nigerian's life to be rescued," calling for systemic improvements.
Another user, @iamthepreence, questioned the mechanics of the crash on a three-lane expressway, wondering how the driver managed to move from the fast lane to hit a truck parked on the hard shoulder, suggesting a possible mechanical failure or driver impairment.
Despite the focus on fault, @Wizarab10 also underscored a crucial secondary issue: Nigeria's deficient emergency response infrastructure. He stressed, "Regardless of fault, it does not excuse our lack of emergency services. We must be able to access them within 10 mins of accident. We have work to do as a people."
Family Breaks Silence Amidst Tragedy
In the wake of the accident, Anthony Joshua's family has spoken out. His uncle revealed the family's initial confusion and distress, noting they did not know which hospital the boxer had been taken to following the crash on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The family's account added a human dimension to the incident, which has been widely discussed on social media platforms.
The incident, which took place on December 31, 2025, continues to serve as a grim reminder of the perils on Nigerian roads and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures, reliable law enforcement, and prompt emergency medical services to prevent further loss of life.
