Fresh details have emerged about the tragic road accident that involved world-renowned heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua. An eyewitness to the incident has provided a harrowing account of the moments surrounding the crash, which claimed the lives of two individuals close to the athlete.
Eyewitness Recounts the Tragic Scene
The incident, which occurred on Monday, December 29, along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, left the nation in a state of shock. Speaking to SkyNews via Instagram, an eyewitness identified as Ajala Yusuf Oluwaseyi described the sequence of events. He revealed that the initial sound from the crash was misleading to bystanders.
"We heard a noise boom. We thought it was a truck's tyre that got bursted," Oluwaseyi recounted. It was only upon approaching the scene that the grim reality became clear. The witness stated they "just saw a car drove under a truck that parked at the highway." The vehicle involved, reportedly an SUV carrying Joshua and his associates, had slid underneath a stationary truck parked on the roadside.
Emotional Impact and Public Reaction
The eyewitness emphasized the emotional weight of the discovery, particularly noting Anthony Joshua's state. "He was shocked when he saw the incident. He couldn't talk," Oluwaseyi said, describing the boxer's visible distress at the scene. The accident resulted in the tragic demise of two men: one of them was identified as Latif 'Latz' Ayodele, Joshua's esteemed fitness trainer.
The public reaction to the eyewitness account has been one of profound grief and mounting criticism. Nigerians flooded social media comment sections, expressing sorrow for the lost lives and anger over systemic failures. Many comments highlighted the apparent lack of adequate emergency response and poor road safety measures.
Netizens Criticize Safety Standards
One user, Officialdaddymo, pointedly asked: "Why are there large trucks parked on the side of the road without Caution signs?" The comment further criticized the emergency response, noting the absence of essential medical equipment like stretchers, spinal boards, and neck braces, potentially exacerbating injuries.
Other reactions questioned the whereabouts of the driver and the overall safety culture. User Femi_shiba_1 lamented, "Poor country. No cctv camera to confirm what happen. Just only eye witness!" This sentiment reflects a broader frustration with infrastructure gaps. Another user, Eugenehama, succinctly noted the absence of proper emergency services: "Ambulance? It seems everyone but the right department."
The tragic event has once again thrust Nigeria's road safety challenges into the spotlight, with the involvement of a global sports icon amplifying the call for urgent reforms. The nation continues to mourn the loss of life while grappling with the recurring issues this accident has highlighted.
