Ex-Premier League ace hit by a truck in horror accident while helping other crash victims

Former Fulham defender Abdeslam Ouaddou has been hospitalised after being hit by a truck while attempting to save victims of another crash. The Moroccan, now 46, played four seasons in the Premier League and is currently receiving treatment after a serious road accident near Gauteng, South Africa.

He was trying to help victims of a car crash on the R21 highway when he was struck by a pick-up truck. Ouaddou is the current head coach of South African giants Orlando Pirates and he was travelling back from a match when he and five members of his staff were involved in the incident. All six were taken to hospital.

A statement from the club read: "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.

"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.

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"At this stage, our priority is the health and well-being 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."

Ouaddou, who made 38 appearances for Fulham in four years after a £2million move from Nancy in 2001, took over at Orlando Pirates in June. He was also capped 92 times and captained Morocco before retiring in 2013.

ESPN claim that club defender Tapelo Xoki was among those injured and taken to hospital after Orlando Pirates' 3-0 win over Chippa United.

The 30-year-old will require a scan on his knee, but believes that his injuries are not as severe as they could have been.

Orlando Pirates' next match is the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC on September 13, held at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.