An eyewitness to the recent accident involving British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has provided a detailed account of the immediate response by road safety officials. The incident, which occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State, resulted in the tragic loss of two lives from Joshua's entourage.
Eyewitness Account of the Immediate Aftermath
A Nigerian man, Yemi Dada, who was driving directly behind the boxer's vehicle, took to social media platform X to share his firsthand experience. According to his post from the handle @deyemidada, the accident involved Joshua's car colliding with a stationary truck on the major highway.
Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries and was subsequently transported to a hospital using a police van, as no ambulance was readily available at the scene at that moment. The two other occupants in the vehicle were not as fortunate.
FRSC's Rapid Response and Actions
The eyewitness specifically highlighted the response time and actions of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). He stated that FRSC officers arrived at the scene approximately five minutes after the crash occurred.
"I was one vehicle behind the wreck of AJ's car and I can confirm that the @FRSCNigeria officers were on the scene in about 5 mins," Dada wrote. He explained that the officials arrived on foot, running because a buildup of cars had blocked vehicle access to the wreckage.
The officers proceeded to extract Anthony Joshua from the damaged car, remove the bodies from the roadway, and clear the traffic—all within about ten minutes of their arrival. The eyewitness commended their efforts, stating, "They did very well."
Addressing the Ambulance Question
In his post, Dada also addressed the public discussion surrounding the absence of an ambulance. He pointed out that the FRSC officers were the first responders and noted that anyone familiar with the accident location should know there are at least two ambulances stationed in front of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) camp, which is about five minutes before the accident site.
This detail was shared to provide context to the emergency response logistics in that specific area of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Public Reaction and Broader Debate
The viral post sparked significant reactions and debate online regarding emergency response protocols in Nigeria. Many users engaged in discussions about the readiness and training of first responders.
One user, @accalabister, commented on the general public's preparedness, stating: "Many Nigerians don't even know the emergency number to call when something like this happens. Did anyone around there try to call an ambulance? They are all busy making videos."
Another user, @smartcitizenng, raised a question about medical training: "Is @FRSCNigeria trained in medical emergency practice/procedures? I’m asking because the man was pulled out of the car - something that should not have happened especially when 2 people allegedly died in the accident."
Meanwhile, other reactions defended the FRSC's performance. User @DeBigFAB3 suggested: "They don’t want to hear this because of their agenda to discredit Nigeria at any given opportunity. Check well many of them or their family members contributed to the mess they are crying about."
The incident also drew a reaction from journalist Rufai Oseni, who raised thought-provoking questions about how the boxer was rescued from the accident scene, generating further buzz on social media platforms.
The accident, which took place on December 30, 2025, continues to serve as a focal point for discussions on road safety, emergency response efficiency, and public awareness in Nigeria. The eyewitness account provides a crucial perspective on the realities faced by first responders on one of the country's busiest highways.
