The Red Devils' Europa league tie against Anderlecht might have ended well for the English giants, but somewhere in the city of Calabar, Nigeria, it was a whole different story as no fewer that 30 supporters were electrocuted to death after an electric pole fell on the roof of a viewing centre where they gathered to watch the game.
According to police reports, the incident was the result of an issue with an electrical transformer at the viewing centre in which the fans had gathered.
Quoting from a police statement:“Around 10pm we were called that an incident that has happened so immediately our men went there.
“Until this morning we have about seven persons dead, we have 10 that have been admitted to hospital and another one in intensive care.
“According to the information we gathered the high tension electric cable that was very close to the viewing centre fell on the building.”
Manchester United have however expressed their sympathy at learning that a number of supporters were electrocuted in Nigeria while watching their Europa League game with Anderlecht.
The club took to it's official twitter account, composing a heartfelt message to comesurate with the families of the bereaved, thereby proving to the world that football is more than just a game. Such a rare gesture has not only put the Nigerian city of Calabar in the spotlight but it has helped football fans all over the world to realize the importance of coming together as a family in dark hours.
The Governor of Cross Rivers state, was not left out of the picture, and as the number one citizen in the state, he also sympathized with family members of those who lost their loved ones in the incident, promising to investigate and stop such from repeating itself.
He stated: “While commiserating with the families of the victims of the tragedy, the governor promised that the state government would look into the likely cause of the incident to prevent reoccurrence.
“No fewer than 30 persons died on Thursday night in Calabar at a viewing centre while watching the Europa Football League match between Manchester United and Anderlecht.
“The incident happened at about 9.30 p.m at Nyagasang area of Atimbo in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of the state.”
Furthermore, the British High Commission in Nigeria released a statement in which they expressed sadness and sympathy over the incident: “Our deepest sympathy for the loss of lives in Calabar during a Europa League football match between.”
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