Former Premier League star hit by truck while helping horror road crash victims

Abdeslam Ouaddou, the former Premier League defender who played 38 times for Fulham, had to be rushed to hospital after being struck by a pick-up truck while aiding victims of a car crash.

Ouaddou, 46, was coming to the aid of people on the R21 highway near Gauteng in South Africa.

The 92-times capped Morocco international is the head coach of South African side Orlando Pirates, and was travelling back from a match when the incident occurred. Five members of his backroom staff were also involved in the incident, with all six men taken to hospital.

The club said in a statement: "Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that Head Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and five members of the club’s staff were involved in a road traffic incident on Sunday night.

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"The incident occurred on the R21 highway as the team returned from Gqeberha, following their hard-fought 3–0 victory against Chippa United. Upon encountering a collision between two vehicles, Coach Ouaddou and several staff members disembarked from the team bus to assist those involved.

"Tragically, while attending to the scene, a Nissan NP200 vehicle collided with the stationary vehicles, striking the group and causing serious injuries.

"Coach Ouaddou, along with the five affected staff members, were immediately transported to hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care. The Club is in close contact with the medical team and will provide updates on their recovery in due course.

"At this stage, our priority is the health and wellbeing of our colleagues. The Club has made arrangements to ensure that the affected individuals and their families receive all the necessary support during this difficult time.

"We ask for privacy and respect for those involved as they focus on recovery. Further updates will be communicated when appropriate."

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