Kickoff (Cape Town)
1 December 2008
An Ajax Cape Town supporter and three other people died last night when a stolen bakkie ploughed into a bus brings fans back from the Telkom Knockout Cup semifinal against Free State Starts in East London yesterday.
The bakkie, travelling on the wrong side of the road, was being pursued by police in a high speed chase when the tragedy took place near Knysna.
According a statement released by the Urban Warriors, news of the accident only filtered through in the early hours of this morning.
Reports from the scene confirmed that the bus veered off the road and fell into a ditch. There were four fatalities with one being that of the Ajax Cape Town supporter.
The family of the deceased, whose identity has not yet been released, have been notified and members are on their way to Knysna to collect the body for burial.
A number of other Ajax supporters who were injured were taken to Knysna Hospital where they received treatment for their wounds and discharged.
One supporter, Mark Kulp is still in hospital with broken ribs.
The bus company booked the remaining supporters in at the Knysna Lodge to refresh and regroup while awaiting a replacement bus.
Support for this tragedy has poured in from all quarters, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the SAPS and the PSL to name a few.
Representatives from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport as well as the bus company are on their way to Knysna to lend their support and finalize arrangements to get the remaining Ajax supporters back to Cape Town.
George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, "We would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased. Our prayers are with you at this time of your bereavement.
"This supporter has been one of the most loyal Ajax supporters since our inception, never missing a home game and travelling to our away games where possible.
"We will endeavour to bring home the Telkom KnockOut Cup for our beloved Ajax supporter."
The Ajax Cape Town captain Brett Evans told KickOff.com: "The players are very upset by this tragedy. This is a sad day for Ajax Cape Town. We, the players, would like to send our condolences to the family of the fan that passed away during the accident and to the families of the injured."
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