**TALLINN, ESTONIA** – The Cyprus Men's National Handball Team found themselves at the centre of a distressing incident early on Saturday morning when the bus conveying them was involved in a significant road accident on the Tallinn–Tartu highway. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and overturned near the Neanurme area, an event that has prompted urgent logistical and medical responses. While the majority of the delegation escaped serious harm, two individuals have been hospitalised, and eight others underwent precautionary medical assessments.
The team was en route from the capital, Tallinn, to Põlva for a crucial European Championship qualifying fixture against Estonia. This encounter was the return leg of a match played earlier in the week in Nicosia, which saw Estonia emerge victorious with a 31-27 scoreline. The primary cause of the mishap is understood to be the particularly inclement weather conditions prevalent in Estonia at the time, which likely compromised road surface traction and visibility.
Emergency services, including the Southern Rescue Center and the Tartu ambulance service, were dispatched promptly to the scene. Their swift intervention was instrumental in managing the immediate aftermath of the accident. The 23 individuals on board the bus were attended to, with the two requiring hospitalisation subsequently transferred to Tartu University Hospital for further observation and care. The remaining eight, though not exhibiting severe injuries, were taken for thorough medical checks as a prudent measure, ensuring their well-being was not compromised.
In the wake of the incident, a replacement bus was procured to transport the uninjured members of the delegation to their intended destination in Põlva, allowing them to continue their journey. The Cypriot embassy in Finland, which extends consular services to Estonia, has been actively engaged in providing support and assistance to the team. A spokesperson from the embassy affirmed their readiness to offer any necessary help, underscoring the diplomatic channels mobilised to address the situation.
The Cyprus Handball Federation (KOF) acknowledged the gravity of the event, issuing a statement that, while confirming the absence of life-threatening injuries, highlighted the necessity of hospitalising two members of the mission. The federation’s statement, as reported, conveyed a sense of relief that the situation was not more dire, given the violent nature of the overturning.
The incident has cast a shadow over the team's participation in the qualifying round and has naturally led to a reassessment of the scheduled match against Estonia. Discussions are reportedly ongoing between the federations and the European Handball Federation (EHF) to determine the viability and scheduling of the fixture. The immediate priority for the KOF and the Cypriot authorities remains the safe return of the entire delegation to Cyprus, with arrangements for their repatriation now being a focal point. This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with sporting travel, particularly when exacerbated by adverse environmental factors.