Two footballers tragically lost their lives in a horrific car crash in a road tunnel which also left a third team-mate seriously injured. Danilo Boz and Fabio Rosa, both 19-year-old stars of ASD Calcio Maniago Vajont in the Promozione league – the sixth tier of Italian football – sadly died at the scene. They were travelling in a car driven by team-mate Andrea Zoccoletto, who was rushed to hospital in a serious condition.
The players were returning to their hometown of Maniago in northern Italy, after a training session in nearby Poffabro. Initial reports suggest that Zoccoletto lost control of the Renault Twingo while entering the tunnel and veered onto the other side of the road.
The vehicle then collided head-on with a Volkswagen Tiguan driven by a 72-year-old woman, who was also taken to hospital. Her condition is currently unknown.
Following the collision, the passenger side of the Twingo crashed against the tunnel wall, causing it to partially collapse. The Bus del Colvera tunnel, which leads from Frisanco to Maniago, is about a kilometre long.
The three players were said to be close friends who had just reunited for training after the summer break.
A club spokesperson announced that all sporting activities had been cancelled for the time being due to the tragedy.
The club expressed their shock, stating: “We are shocked by the tragic passing of Danilo and Fabio.
“We are close to their families and loved ones at this time for this unimaginable loss, and we will continue to provide them with our full support.
“All Calcio Maniago Vajont activities are currently suspended until further notice.”
The incident remains under investigation.