Wolfsburg's Junior Malanda dies in car crash

The tragic death of the young Wolfsburg player Junior Malanda has sent shockwaves through the peace and quiet of the Bundesliga winter break.

The 20-year-old Belgian player was killed in a traffic accident.

Initial investigations by police suggest that the crash was caused by excessive speed. Malanda was travelling in the back seat of a car carrying two other individuals.

Rain and strong wind, together with excessive speed, caused the vehicle to skid and crash into a tree, according to police reports. The player was catapulted from his seat in the rear of the car and died in the impact. The two other people in the car have been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Malanda moved to Wolfsburg from Zulte-Waregem last season. He had made 10 appearances for his side in the Bundesliga this term.