A bus carrying the Cyprus Men's National Handball Team had an accident early Saturday. The bus went off the Tallinn–Tartu highway. It overturned near Neanurme. Emergency services came quickly. Most of the team was not seriously hurt. However, two people went to the hospital. Eight others had medical checks.
The team was going from Tallinn to Põlva. They had a match against Estonia. This was for the European Championship. Estonia won the first match earlier in the week. Bad weather was likely the cause of the crash. The road was slippery. It was hard to see.
Emergency teams from the Southern Rescue Center and Tartu ambulance service arrived fast. They helped the people on the bus. All 23 people were checked. The two in the hospital went to Tartu University Hospital. The other eight had checks as a safety measure.
A new bus was found for the team. It took the uninjured players to Põlva. The Cyprus embassy in Finland is helping. They offer support to the team. A spokesperson said they will give any needed help.
The Cyprus Handball Federation (KOF) spoke about the accident. They said no one had life-threatening injuries. But two people needed to stay in the hospital. The federation was relieved it was not worse. The bus overturned with great force.
This accident affects the team's match. Talks are happening about the game. Federations and the European Handball Federation are discussing it. The main worry is getting the whole team home safely. This shows travel risks for sports teams. Bad weather makes these risks bigger.