In a chilling development following the fatal car accident involving boxing superstar Anthony Joshua in Nigeria, authorities have revealed that the driver of the truck involved in the collision “fled the scene” and is currently on the run — adding a dramatic and troubling twist to an already heart-breaking story.
The crash, which occurred on December 29, 2025, on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, left two of Joshua’s close friends and team members dead when the SUV he was travelling in collided with a stationary truck. Joshua was injured but survived and was treated in hospital. What’s now emerging is that the driver of the truck did not stay at the scene after the collision, and Nigerian police have declared him a wanted person as they continue their investigation.
Authorities say the SUV — carrying Joshua, his trainer and strength coach — lost control while attempting to overtake and hit the stationary truck, a common hazard on Nigerian highways. The crash was devastating: two men in the SUV were pronounced dead at the scene, while Joshua and another occupant were injured. Investigators have said that speeding and wrongful overtaking appear to have been contributing factors, with a burst tyre also reported before impact.
What has now added urgency to the investigation is that the truck driver reportedly left the scene immediately after the collision. Officials have seized the truck itself and are searching for the missing driver, who is wanted for questioning and may face charges related to the deaths. Nigerian police and traffic authorities are working to identify and locate him, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Meanwhile, the driver of Joshua’s vehicle — who survived and was hospitalised — has since been discharged and is cooperating with investigators. He may face prosecution for possible reckless or dangerous driving once the investigation concludes, as preliminary findings indicate serious traffic violations could have played a role.
The news of the fleeing truck driver has shocked many, especially because it compounds the tragedy for the families of the two men who died. Officials are also focusing on whether poor road conditions and traffic enforcement on one of Nigeria’s busiest corridors played a part, as fatal accidents have been an ongoing concern on the Lagos-Ibadan route.
Social media has been awash with reactions — from disbelief at the truck driver’s disappearance to heartfelt tributes for the victims, who were described by fellow athletes and friends as beloved and integral parts of Joshua’s camp. Prominent figures including fellow heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk and promoter Eddie Hearn have publicly expressed grief and offered prayers for the loved ones lost in the crash.
As the search for the missing truck driver intensifies, police have appealed to the public to assist with any information that could lead to his arrest. The combination of a high-profile victim, fatalities, and a fleeing suspect has made this more than just another road accident — it’s now a major unfolding news story in Nigeria and around the world as fans and authorities alike await further updates.
The spotlight is not only on the legal fallout but on broader questions about road safety, accountability and how tragic errors on busy highways can have devastating consequences — especially when key individuals involved walk away into the unknown.
Leave a comment