Manslaughter Investigation Opened After Junior Malanda’s Fatal Crash
German authorities have officially launched a manslaughter investigation into the fatal car crash that claimed the life of Junior Malanda, the promising Belgian midfielder of VfL Wolfsburg, last Saturday.
Malanda, just 20 years old, was traveling in a VW Touareg on a highway near Bielefeld when the vehicle rolled several times and crashed into a tree. Tragically, Malanda — who was not wearing a seatbelt — was ejected from the rear of the car and died at the scene.
Police confirmed that excessive speed was a contributing factor, with the SUV traveling above the 80 km/h limit in dangerous weather conditions, marked by heavy rain and strong wind.
Initial media reports suggested that the driver may have been Anthony D’Alberto, a fellow Belgian and Anderlecht player, and that he might not have had a license. However, Bielefeld police refuted this claim, stating:
“The driver has a valid driving license. The investigation is ongoing.”
The probe aims to determine the exact cause of the accident and whether negligence or reckless driving played a role in the young footballer’s untimely death.
Malanda’s passing sent shockwaves through the football world. He was considered one of Belgium’s most promising talents and had been a regular for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.
