The driver of the vehicle involved in the accident that claimed the lives of two associates of British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has been discharged from hospital, police authorities have confirmed.
The Guardian gathered this during a visit to Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where Joshua is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Police sources said the driver has since given a statement and may be prosecuted for reckless driving. Investigations are ongoing following a visit to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office at the Sagamu interchange, where the truck involved in the accident remains parked.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the driver had been discharged and was cooperating with investigators.
Meanwhile, an FRSC official disclosed that the driver of the stationary truck involved in the crash fled the scene and has now been declared wanted by authorities.
Earlier findings by the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) indicated that a burst tyre was a major factor in the accident. According to TRACE, the front passenger-side tyre of the SUV conveying Joshua burst while the vehicle was in motion, leading to a loss of control before it collided with the parked truck.
TRACE spokesperson Babatunde Akinbiyi, quoted by AFP, said preliminary investigations showed that the SUV was travelling at excessive speed when the tyre burst, causing the vehicle to veer off course and crash into the stationary truck.
Joshua, 36, was rushed to Duchess International Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. However, two members of his team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, lost their lives at the scene of the accident, according to Matchroom Boxing.
Confirming the deaths, the boxing promotion company expressed deep sorrow, describing the incident as a tragic loss. Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn also paid tribute, expressing his condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are continuing.