Tragic accident in Kazakhstan: Minibus carrying youth football team overturns, coach killed PHOTO

A tragic road accident occurred in Kazakhstan's Akmola region involving a minibus carrying a youth football team, resulting in the death of the team’s coach and the hospitalization of multiple children.

According to the regional police department, the accident took place on the Astana–Ereimentau–Shiderty motorway, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

A Mercedes minibus, transporting 16 children aged between 14 and 16 along with their coach, overturned while attempting to overtake a lorry.

“As a result of the accident, the coach died on the spot. The children were taken to a medical facility and are under the supervision of doctors,” the police department stated.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the minibus lost control during the overtaking manoeuvre, leading to the vehicle's overturning. Authorities confirmed that the team was en route from Pavlodar to Astana to participate in a scheduled football competition.

Disturbingly, the police department revealed that the private sports school responsible for organizing the trip had failed to notify law enforcement authorities. As a result, the journey was conducted without a police escort or traffic safety oversight, which is typically required for transporting minors over long distances.

“Such negligence in informing the authorities deprived the convoy of patrol support, which could have provided an additional layer of safety for the journey,” officials added.

Local emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, and all injured children were transported to nearby hospitals, where they are currently being evaluated and treated. No further details on the extent of their injuries have been released at this time.

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident, focusing on the driver's actions and the responsibilities of the organizing school. 

By Vafa Guliyeva