A West Ham supporter has reportedly been left with ‘life-threatening injuries’ ahead of the Hammers’ Europa League clash with Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday night. The fan is said to have been hit by a road sweeper in Cologne.
Thousands of West Ham supporters have travelled to Germany for the next stage of their side’s European tour, and they are set to face the high-flying Leverkusen at the Bayer Arena. Many fans have gathered in areas around the stadium, including in Cologne.
One supporter sustained ‘life-threatening injuries’ whilst near the Cologne Cathedral on Wednesday night. It is reported that the 68-year-old male may have fallen under a road sweeper on the eve of the Europa League clash and thus sustained head injuries.
The vehicle then collided with a traffic pole which has left the driver injured as well. The injured West Ham supporter was quickly taken to hospital where he has been treated and has since stabilised.
A Cologne police spokesperson said: “According to witnesses, the 68-year-old crossed Trankgasse at the pedestrian traffic light at around 9:20 p.m., presumably on red. The cleaning vehicle coming from the direction of Comedy Street hit him.
“Immediately after the collision, the driver aged 29 suddenly steered his sweeper into a traffic light pole. He also suffered minor injuries. The police deployed a traffic accident investigation team to secure evidence and cordoned off a large area of the accident site.”
