In a stunning development following the tragic car accident involving boxing superstar Anthony Joshua on December 29, 2025, Nigerian police have revealed alarming technical issues with the vehicle he was traveling in. The former heavyweight champion, along with two close friends, was in a Lexus SUV when it veered off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and collided violently with a parked vehicle on the roadside. While Joshua escaped with minor injuries and is now stable in hospital, the incident claimed the lives of two passengers.

Authorities investigating the crash have discovered that the vehicle’s engine exhibited serious technical problems, specifically with the oil lubrication system, which failed to function properly. This malfunction could have led to engine seizure or loss of power, potentially contributing to the driver losing control. Even more disturbingly, the airbags did not deploy upon impact, a critical safety feature that might have reduced the severity of injuries or even saved lives in such a high-speed collision.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is notorious for being one of Nigeria’s most dangerous roads, plagued by heavy traffic, poor maintenance, and frequent accidents. Preliminary reports suggest the SUV may have been traveling at high speed during an overtaking maneuver when it suddenly lost control. Some accounts point to a possible tire blowout as an initial trigger, causing the vehicle to swerve uncontrollably into the stationary truck parked by the roadside.

Joshua, who has deep family roots in Nigeria’s Ogun State – the site of the crash – was visiting the country shortly after his recent high-profile victory. He was seated in the back of the SUV, which likely spared him the worst of the impact. Emergency responders arrived quickly, transporting the survivors to nearby medical facilities. Joshua underwent thorough checks and remains under observation, with doctors confirming he requires no emergency interventions.

The two victims have been identified as close associates and integral members of Joshua’s team, highlighting the personal devastation beyond the public spectacle. The boxing community worldwide has expressed profound shock and grief, with tributes pouring in for the deceased.

This revelation about the vehicle’s mechanical failures raises serious questions about maintenance standards for high-profile individuals’ transport and the reliability of safety systems in luxury vehicles operating on challenging roads. Investigations are ongoing, with experts examining whether the lubrication failure caused overheating or seizure, and why the airbag system – designed to activate in frontal collisions – remained inactive.

Road safety in Nigeria continues to be a major concern, with thousands of fatalities annually attributed to factors like speeding, vehicle defects, and infrastructure issues. This high-profile case could prompt broader scrutiny of vehicle inspections and enforcement on major highways.

As Joshua recovers, the focus shifts to supporting the bereaved families and awaiting full forensic results. The incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike, even for those at the pinnacle of success. Fans and fellow athletes hope for answers that bring closure, while emphasizing the fragility of life on the road.