Reports: Morocco's Amine Harit Hits, Kills Pedestrian in Car Accident
Moroccan international Amine Harit was involved in a fatal traffic accident on Friday in Marrakesh, according to his club, Schalke. According to reports, Harit hit and killed a pedestrian. Moroccan police refuted assertions that Harit's 14-year-old brother was behind the wheel, confirming that it was Harit himself.
Harit was involved in the 23-man squad that travelled to Russia for the World Cup after a stellar season with Schalke and he featured in his side's opening match against Iran. It is understood that he immediately travelled back to Morocco following their first round elimination before the accident took place.
The club made an official statement regarding the incident:
"On Saturday, sporting director Christian Heidel managed to contact Harit, who is still in shock, the player described the terrible events of the previous night. As the driver of the car, he had no way of preventing the tragic accident. The police have recorded the accident.
"After delivering his testimony, Harit was able to leave the police station, and the 21-year-old is currently staying with his family in Morocco, where he is being cared for.
"First and foremost, Amine's deep compassion, as well as that of all of us at FC Schalke 04, goes to the victim's relatives. We are currently in constant contact with Amine."
It is also understood that Harit made an attempt to flee the scene in the aftermath of the incident, according to a report from Hespress, but was prevented from doing so by a number of bystanders.
Police are said to be continuing the investigation surrounding the accident and that Harit's passport has been confiscated, preventing him from leaving the country as the investigation continues.
