South Africans flown to safety in Lahore

By Mikhaila Crowie
3 March 2009

Eight South African television technicians covering the cricket Test between Pakistan and Sri-Lanka in Lahore are being flown out of the stadium to board flights home.

Players and officials have also being evacuated by helicopter.

One of the technicians told reporters that this morning’s violent attack on the Sri Lanka team comes as a terrible experience.

Authorities in Pakistan knew terrorists were planning an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team.

This is according to a news report.

However, despite extra security and changes to travel routes, they couldn't prevent the attack.

It is not certain at this time how many people were killed in the attack, but reports indicate that as many as six policemen and two civilians died in the hail of bullets and grenades.

Meanwhile Cricket South Africa’s Chief Executive, Gerald Majola, has expressed shock and dismay at the attack. He says it is the worst possible news for cricket and all cricket loving nations.