NIGERIA: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FALLOUT: 7 fans die celebrating Chelsea

Seven Chelsea fans in Lagos were burnt to death on Tuesday in a fatal auto crash at Ojota shortly after the Chelsea's remarkable victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semi-final cracker. The fans in a jubilant mood had already moved out of the Ojota motor garage to celebrate Chelsea's victory when a bus carrying about 11 persons suddenly somersaulted while on top speed and immediately went aflame. The passengers in the bus could not escape from the burning vehicle as they were burnt beyond recognition.

According to an eye witness, passers by couldn't move near the bus, owing to the heat generated by the flames. The people at the arena, though helpless managed to pull out four of the passengers who were still alive and later took them to hospital.

A man who identified himself simply as Kasim alleged that the passengers inside the bus were celebrating Chelsea's victory before the ugly incident. He said those in the mini- bus attempted to escape but were trapped. Kasim said, at least, seven persons were burnt to death. Kasim alleged that the driver was on top speed when the accident occurred. He also said fire balls and smoke filled the air as the vehicle and some of the unfortunate passengers smothered in the flame.

A driver, who identified himself as Amadi, alleged that what worsened the plight of the burnt vehicle was unavailability of water to put out the fire. Amadi said that sympathizers used fire extinguishers to douse the flame, but to no avail.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Jaiyeoba Joseph, a Superintendent of Police, while confirming the story to Daily Sunsports in his office, said the vehicle was coming from Ojota moving towards Maryland Bridge when it somersaulted.

Joseph said the incident occurred about 11 pm. He said only two persons died. He also said the driver and conductor of the vehicle escaped from the scene and gave the registration number of the bus as XP 256 KRD. He further said policemen attached to the Rapid Respond Squad were later at the scene of the accident. “I was told about the accident. The bus somersaulted and caught fire. I can only confirm that two persons died in the accident. The driver and conductor of the bus escaped,” he said .

Meanwhile, in another development, tragedy struck at Shasha area, in Lagos on Tuesday when a man was stabbed to death over Chelsea versus Barcelona FC football match. The deceased was identified as John Idoko, 23. The Jurist gathered that Idoko and other youths were watching the football match at a viewing centre- cum-bar at Sikiru Bus stop, Boundary Road, Shasha when the fight broke out between the fans of the two clubs.
A man, who identified himself as Kayode Olumide, alleged that the fans attacked their rivals with fists, broken bottles and woods at about 10 pm. Many of the fans were injured.

Olumide also disclosed that it was Chelsea fans that first abused Barcelona fans. At a point, the rival fans could not tolerate the insult. Fight broke out and people in the area scampered for safety. Olumide disclosed that the fans damaged several items. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Jaiyeoba Joseph, a Superintendent of Police said the killer (s) remained unknown but detectives were still trailing them. Joseph said the fans also destroyed several items at the bar. He said it was a makeshift bar which could best be described as a tent. The police spokesman also said Idoko was from Benue. State.