Manchester United have expressed their sorrow at learning that a number of supporters were electrocuted in Nigeria while watching their Europa League game with Anderlecht.
The supporters in question were taking in the continental contest in the city of Calabar, with up to 30 people feared to have died as a result of an electrical cable falling onto them.
United have sent their sympathies to those caught up in the tragedy, with the incident casting a shadow over a 2-1 extra-time victory for Jose Mourinho’s side at Old Trafford.
Police said the incident was the result of an issue with an electrical transformer at the viewing centre in which the fans had gathered.
A police statement said: “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.”
While the authorities have offered a conservative estimate regarding the loss of life, the News Agency of Nigeria reported that there had been over 30 deaths.
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While covering a statement from Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, they 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.”
The British High Commission in Nigeria added: “Our deepest sympathy for the loss of lives in Calabar during a Europa League football match between.”
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