Men killed in ‘freak glass accident’ at football club named and pictured

Two men who were killed in a freak accident while unloading a large glass panel from a lorry have been named and pictured.

International students Yasir Ali, 34, and Muhammad Zafar, 33 died after becoming trapped under the glass at Hitchin Football Club in Hertfordshire on Saturday, September 6.

A third man was injured, and, according to reports, may have to have his arm amputated.

Mr Ali and Mr Zafar, who were both from Pakistan, were removing glass panels from an HGV overflow car park at the club when the accident happened at around 2pm.

It is not yet clear who the men were working for and how they came to be at the club.

Hitchin FC, who rent the land from the Cow Commoner’s Trust, have told Metro they did not employ the workers, nor were they volunteering for the club.

Police say they are in the ‘early stages of investigation’.

Mr Ali, who lived in Luton, was one month away from completing his year long masters in project management at Hertfordshire University, reports the Daily Mail.

He had previously completed a degree in construction engineering from a university in Lahore.

Mr Zafar, who lived in Dusntable, was also a student at Hertfordshire University.

A friend of Mr Ali, Muhammad Aqib Yasin said: ‘It is with deep sorrow that we share the tragic news of the passing of Yasir Ali and one of his friends, both international students at the University of Hertfordshire from Pakistan.

‘The incident occurred while they were unloading a container filled with glass. Tragically, the glass collapsed during the process, resulting in the deaths of Yasir and his friend Muhammad. The other friend survived the accident.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones during this time of immense grief.’

Another friend, Mirha Ch, wrote on Facebook: ‘There has been a tragic incident involving international student from University of Hertfordshire Yasir Ali.

‘I am deeply saddened to share the news of the tragic passing of Yasir Ali. Yasir was a student in my class and he was such a nice soul.’

A spokesperson for Hitchin Town FC told Metro earlier this week: ‘Unfortunately, there was a tragic accident on land adjacent to the football ground on Saturday that resulted in the fatality of two people.

‘At this stage we know very little about the actual details of the accident and the police have taken control of the incident and their enquiries are ongoing.

‘We would like to send our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to their families at this very sad and difficult time.’

Haulage company Martello confirmed that one of its drivers had been transporting a shipping container from Southampton Port to the stadium, the Daily Mail reports.

The driver did not take part in the removal of the glass and was sitting in the driver’s seat as the men became trapped, unaware of what was happening until a colleague knocked on the door to alert him.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: ‘Police attended an incident in the Hitchin Town Football Club car park at approximately 2pm on Saturday 6 September, following reports that two men were seriously injured.

‘The men, who were unloading glass panels from a lorry parked in the overflow car park, were injured in the process.

‘Two men sadly died at the scene. Their next of kins have been informed and are being supported by officers.

‘The incident is currently under investigation and enquiries continue.’

They said a third was injured.

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