Manchester United pay emotional tribute as more than 30 fans electrocuted to death in Nigeria
Premier League side tweet their support for those who lost their lives in the horrific accident in Calabar on Thursday
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MANCHESTER UNITED have paid an emotional tribute to more than 30 fans who were electrocuted to death in Nigeria.
The fans in the African nation were killed while watching the Europa League win over Anderlecht on Thursday night.
Following the horrific accident in Calabar, Man United tweeted their condolences.
They wrote: "Our thoughts go out to the United fans, their friends and families affected by the tragedy in Calabar, Nigeria, yesterday."
Police confirmed at least seven were killed but officials fear the toll could be far higher after the tragedy in Nigeria, with ten more said to be critically injured.
Local Ukeme Joseph estimated at least 20 people had died after the wire collapsed onto the Calabar viewing centre where many Nigerians flock to watch Premier League clubs in action.
As many as 80 supporters are believed to have been crammed inside the building for the extra-time win.
State governor Ben Ayade, said: "It was heart-wrenching that the lives of the young men were lost through electrocution."
One local described how a transformer near the centre exploded sending the cable crashing down onto the fans.
The Manchester Evening News reported one witness as saying: "It happened during the match between Manchester United and Anderlecht.
"I heard a deafening bang. I rushed out to see what was happening.
“When I turned back to go inside the viewing centre, I saw a cable coming down on the centre and this electrocuted the viewers in the hall.
“It was a horrible sight to behold. I wish I didn’t come out to watch the match. Come to think of it, I have DStv at home but I enjoy watching matches at viewing centres.
"I could have been dead. I can’t believe that the people I was chatting and joking with a few minutes ago are all gone in a most anguishing way. This world is vain.”
