Tag: accident

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Fatal crash: Police arrest Joshua’s driver after boxer discharged

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Kayode Adeniyi, the 47-year-old driver of the ill-fated Lexus SUV that crashed on Monday, killing two of Anthony Joshua’s closest friends, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, adding that investigations are ongoing.

Adeniyi, a long-standing member of Joshua’s Nigerian logistics team, was discharged from the hospital in Lagos late on New Year’s Eve and driven two hours north to Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, where the fatal crash occurred.

Police sources revealed that Adeniyi is expected to be charged with reckless driving within 48 hours, though the bank holiday may delay proceedings.

“The driver was released after treatment for minor injuries and was then taken to the state police headquarters for questioning. He is in a stable condition and was able to provide us with his version of events that led up to the crash,” a police source told Daily Mail.

Adeniyi was allegedly driving way over the 65mph speed limit for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when he lost control after a tyre burst during an overtaking manoeuvre near Danco.

The Lexus, carrying Joshua and two of his training staff, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, smashed into an illegally parked truck, which was carrying soya beans.

The force of the impact tore the nearside section of the car away. Ghami, 36, a British citizen, and Ayodele, 36, a Nigerian/British citizen, were killed instantly, while Joshua and Adeniyi suffered only minor injuries.

Joshua was sitting behind the driver and escaped death by inches, with local first responders describing his survival as a “miracle”.

The Lagos and Ogun state governments on Wednesday announced the discharge of Anthony Joshua from Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, after doctors confirmed he was clinically fit to continue his recuperation from home.

According to a joint statement signed by Mr Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos on Wednesday to pay their final respects to the two late friends.

The bodies were flown out of Lagos on a Turkish Airlines cargo flight that landed in Istanbul early on New Year’s Day and are expected to fly on to London.

Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed deep appreciation to members of the public for the overwhelming concern, prayers and show of love following the sad incident.

They also conveyed their gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for what they described as his fatherly support throughout the period and commended the doctors and medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital for their professionalism. (Punch)

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Tinubu speaks with Anthony Joshua after Ogun accident

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with Nigerian-British heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, over a tragic road accident in Ogun State in which the boxer was injured and lost two of his associates.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President personally reached out to Joshua via a telephone call to express his condolences and offer prayers following the incident.

“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital”, the statement quoted the President to have said.

The President also extended his concern to Joshua’s family, noting that he contacted the boxer’s mother to offer prayers and support. Tinubu added, “I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.”

Providing further assurance on the Federal Government’s concern, the President disclosed that he also spoke with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was present at the hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment.

Tinubu said, “Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.”

PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu, who is currently abroad, had earlier taken to his official X account to express deep sympathy to the boxer and his family over the accident, which occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

In the statement, the President wrote, “I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident.

As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.”

He further called for unity and mutual support during moments of grief, stating, “In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.”

Tinubu also offered prayers for Joshua’s recovery and for the repose of the souls of the deceased associates. He said, “I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.” (Punch)

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Anthony Joshua stable in Lagos hospital after fatal crash

The Ogun and Lagos State governments have confirmed that British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, and another survivor of Monday’s road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway are currently receiving medical care at a specialised hospital in Lagos.

In a joint statement issued by Commissioner, Information, Lagos State, Gbenga Omotosho, and Special Adviser, Information, Ogun State, Kayode Akinmade, on Monday, the two state governments said the accident involved a vehicle conveying Joshua and three others, which collided with a stationary truck, resulting in two fatalities.

“The vehicle conveying the team of four ran into a stationary truck, resulting in two fatalities,” the statement said.

The governments expressed sympathy with the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and assured the public that investigations were underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

“We sympathise with the families of those involved in the accident, and pray that God will grant them the strength to go through this difficult time,” the statement added.

According to the statement, Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated from the scene to a specialised medical facility in Lagos, where they underwent several clinical assessments.

“Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised facility in Lagos.

“Doctors have conducted several clinical assessments and have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency interventions at this time,” the governments said.

It added that a comprehensive medical team had been convened to closely monitor their condition.

“Anthony Joshua has since been relating well with his family,” the statement noted.

The governments of both states said they were closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the injured persons receive optimal medical attention.

“The governments of Ogun and Lagos are keenly monitoring the situation and will ensure that the two persons receive the best medical care,” the statement said, while also noting that investigations into the crash had commenced.

The authorities also appealed for privacy for the boxer and his family. “We appreciate the public’s concern and ask for privacy for Anthony Joshua and his family during this time,” the statement said.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the accident occurred shortly after 11am on Monday at Makun, Ogun State, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. (Punch)

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Akpabio mourns police escort killed by tanker

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has announced automatic employment for the two sons of his police rider, Deputy Superintendent of Police Hussani Ibrahim, who died in a motor accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Sunday.

Akpabio made the announcement on Tuesday on the floor of the Senate while formally informing lawmakers of the officer’s death.

The late DSP Ibrahim, who served as the Senate President’s rider, according to a Premium Times report, was killed on Sunday when a petrol tanker rammed into Akpabio’s convoy.

The incident reportedly occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after the Senate President was picked up at the airport following his attendance at the chieftaincy conferment for Senator AbdulAzeez Yari and Seyi Tinubu in Oyo.

Speaking on the incident during plenary, Akpabio said, “We went to Oyo State for the installation of our colleague and the vehicles that came to pick me at the Ibadan airport… Unfortunately, my dispatch rider was run over by a tanker driver, and his head was shattered. We just buried him 15 minutes ago in Kogi State. He left two wives and four children.”

The Senate President appealed to heads of ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to grant automatic employment to the children of the late rider.

He added that if no vacancies were available, he would personally ensure their employment.

“By the grace of God, I’m recommending two of his senior children for employment immediately in any parastatals that may wish to, otherwise I’ll employ them personally in any of my private concerns,” Akpabio added.

In a solemn address, Akpabio paid tribute to the deceased officer, describing him as a disciplined and dedicated professional whose life was defined by service.

Addressing the bereaved family, the Senate President said, “Your late father understood the value of work and service. He devoted himself to it. Unfortunately, instead of earning a laurel for the devotion, he earned death.

“But it is death that is not in vain. It is death that testifies to his legacy of service. May the Lord accept his soul.”

Akpabio also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Nigeria Police Force, describing Ibrahim as courageous and fearless.

“I commiserate with the family, the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force over the loss of this courageous, fearless, and daring officer.

“While I pray to God to accept his soul, may He in His infinite mercy grant the family and the Nigeria Police Force the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.

The Senate President explained that the pledge of automatic employment for the late officer’s sons was a personal gesture aimed at honouring his sacrifice and years of dedicated service.

Shortly after the announcement, Kogi West senator, Sunday Karimi, raised a motion for personal explanation to formally present the incident to the Senate through a substantive motion.

While sympathising with the Senate President, Karimi said the late dispatch rider was due for retirement next year.

He added that Mr Hussaini, a native of Kogi State, had served in Akpabio’s convoy since 2023, when he assumed office as Senate President.

Also on Tuesday, the Senate paid tribute to Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur, who died recently.

Tukur was described as a committed and dedicated driver who served for 25 years under the senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Jibrin Echocho.

The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of both deceased individuals and offered prayers for the repose of their souls. (Punch)

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Six die, others wounded in Kogi road crash, Ododo consoles families

Six people have died, and others have been wounded in a road crash along the Lokoja–Okene road. 

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the accident involved a bus carrying passengers returning from the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held on Wednesday at the Government House, Lokoja. 

“The unfortunate accident, which occurred along the Lokoja–Okene road, claimed six precious lives,” Fanwo said in a statement. 

“Thirteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at different health facilities across the state.” 

Fanwo said the Kogi Government and people of the North-Central state are saddened by the incident and “mourn deeply with the families of the deceased and extend our heartfelt condolences to them”.

He said: “The loss of any Kogite is a loss to us all, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities. This is indeed a dark day in our history”.

“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed that the State Government take full responsibility for the medical care of all injured persons until they fully recover,” the commissioner said.

According to him, the Kogi State Government has deployed personnel to the hospitals to ensure the victims receive the best possible treatment.

They are also to provide support to their families.

“Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones, as we consider this a state tragedy of devastating magnitude,” he said. (Channels)

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Three Britons among 16 people killed in Lisbon funicular crash, police confirm

Portuguese police have confirmed that three Britons were among the 16 people killed in Lisbon on Wednesday evening when one of the city’s funicular streetcars derailed and hurtled down a hill and into a building.

The accident, described by Portugal’s prime minister, Luís Montenegro, as “one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history”, also left 21 people injured, five of whom are in a serious condition.

A preliminary report on the crash on the Elevador da Glória is due to be released on Friday by the government’s office for air and rail accident investigations.

In a statement on Friday morning, police said the accident had killed five Portuguese citizens, three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, one American, one Ukrainian, one Swiss citizen and one French person.

Police said that a German citizen thought to have died in the crash had been located alive in a hospital. Local media had reported that a German father had died and a mother was seriously hurt while their 3-year-old child suffered minor injuries.

The German foreign ministry said at least three German nationals were in hospital.

The injured also include Spanish, Israeli, Portuguese, Brazilian, Italian and French citizens, according to the executive director of Portugal’s national health service, Álvaro Santos Almeida.

Downing Street said Keir Starmer was deeply saddened to hear of the death of the three Britons.

A No 10 spokesperson said: “The prime minister is deeply saddened to hear that three British nationals have died in the funicular crash in Lisbon. His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident. We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time.”

The wreckage of the Elevador da Glória vehicle was removed from the scene on Thursday night and taken by police for examination as a day of national mourning ended. The chief police investigator, Nelson Oliveira, said a preliminary police report, which would have a broader scope, was expected within 45 days.

Investigators have not found any evidence of sabotage, leaving mechanical failures or maintenance issues among the possible causes.

The Glória line carries about 3 million people, tourists and residents annually. Its two cars, each capable of carrying about 40 people, are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable, with traction provided by electric motors on the cars.

On Thursday, the leader of the Fectrans union, Manuel Leal, told a local television station that workers had complained that problems with the tension of the cable that hauls the carriages had made braking difficult, but added it was too early to say if that had caused the crash.

Carris, the municipal public transport company that operates the service, said “all maintenance protocols” had been carried out, including monthly and weekly service programmes and daily inspections.

The president of Carris, Pedro de Brito Bogas, said the streetcar, which had been in service since 1914, underwent a scheduled full-maintenance programme last year and the company conducted a 30-minute visual inspection of it every day.

At a news conference, he said the streetcar had last been inspected nine hours before the derailment, but did not detail the visual inspection, nor specify when questioned whether all the cables had been tested.

Hundreds of people, including the prime minister, Portugal’s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, attended a solemn mass at Lisbon’s church of Saint Dominic on Thursday evening.

On Thursday afternoon, the prime minister called the crash a “tragic accident that transcends borders and a pain that knows no nationality”, and promised a quick investigation to establish what had gone wrong.

“The competent authorities will swiftly carry out the necessary investigations to determine the cause of this tragic accident,” he said. “We will determine all responsibilities with a sense of respect for all those who suffered and are suffering the effects of this accident.”

Moedas said there were no words to describe the pain the city was feeling. “We’re gathering all the information to determine who is responsible. The city needs answers,” said Lisbon’s mayor. (Guardian)

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Five injured as burial convoy crashes in Lagos

There was commotion on Wednesday after a mini commercial bus conveying a corpse for burial was involved in an accident at Idimu in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro learnt that about five people sustained varying degrees of injuries in the incident, which occurred around 10 am.

These include three females and two males.

It was gathered that the mourners were transporting the corpse from Ejigbo to the Ikotun area of the community in a convoy of three minibuses and one Toyota space bus.

On getting to the Idimu bus stop area, the bus on which the corpse was, developed a faulty brake, thereby causing the driver to ram into the bus ahead of it.

An eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Foluke, said the drivers of both buses were also injured in the accident.

She said, “Some buses were picking up passengers on the layby when a minibus suddenly crashed into another one. The impact caused some of them to fall off the vehicle, and they got injured.

“At first, we thought it was an accident between two buses that had passengers inside them.

It was when we moved close that we discovered that they were heading for burial when we saw a corpse inside one of them. The occupants were also seriously injured.”

The bus driver conveying the corpse, while narrating how the accident occurred, said the vehicle had initially developed a fault midway before they later proceeded on the journey.

Reeling in pain, he said, “On our way coming from Ejigbo, the bus developed a fault midway and started moving slowly.  It later started working normally again, and while we approached Idimu to connect to Ikotun, I discovered that the brake was no longer responding. That was how I lost control and crashed the bus ahead of me. I wasn’t expecting this terrible incident today.”

The scene of the incident was already crowded when our correspondent visited the spot.

Some of the injured persons were also seen sitting on the bare floor, as some residents administered first aid to them.

During a closer look, a female occupant was seen holding onto the corpse in the bus with injuries on her leg.

A food vendor close to the spot where the accident happened, but declined to mention her name, said that about three of the victims had broken legs.

“About three people had broken legs in the accident. It took the intervention of the people around who rescued them because their legs were trapped in the seat of the bus. The one who got flung out of the bus waiting to pick up a passenger was among them,” she disclosed.

It was, however, gathered that some mourners who were ahead of the bus in the convoy had driven some distances away before they realised what had happened.

One of the mourners who alighted from the vehicles ahead and rushed down to the spot where the incident occurred said, “We were ahead of them and we had almost reached the Council bus stop when we noticed that they were no longer behind us. It was when we put a call through that we realised that there was an accident.

Our correspondent observed that the injured victims were taken away from the spot and transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while the corpse was moved into another vehicle.

PUNCH Metro reported that no fewer than six people lost their lives, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries in a fatal accident involving an 18-seater commercial bus along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Saturday, April 5.

The crash caused a major gridlock, leaving commuters stranded for hours as emergency responders worked to clear the wreckage and rescue victims. (Punch)

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Multiple accidents cause gridlock on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway

A multiple-vehicle accident involving a container-laden truck that fell on its side and seven other vehicles occurred at the Cele Bus Stop axis of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

According to a statement by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority via its X account on Saturday, emergency responders are already on the ground, and efforts are underway to address the situation.

The statement read, “A multiple accident has occurred at Cele on the Apapa-Oshodi Express, involving a container-laden truck that fell on its side and seven (7) other vehicles.

“Emergency responders are on the ground and en route, and casualties are being taken care of while our men are on the ground managing the traffic emanating from this.”

LASTMA also highlighted that the accident has caused significant traffic delays, with the backlog extending to Ijesha and spilling over to other areas.

“Traffic backlog is at Ijesha and spilling”, the traffic management agency added. (Punch)