The World Cup has opened amid jubilant scenes in South Africa, but Nelson Mandela missed the event after a car crash killed his great-granddaughter（曾孙女）.
Zenani Mandela, 13, died when the car taking her home from a pre-competition concert in Soweto overturned.
The car's driver was arrested and charged with drink-driving.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation（基金会） said the tragedy made it inappropriate for the former president, who is 91, to attend the opening ceremony in Johannesburg.
"We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity（团结） with Mr Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy," said a statement.
"We continue to believe that the World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for South Africa and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success.
"Madiba [Mr Mandela's clan name] will be there with you in spirit today."The male driver, who was reportedly unhurt and has not yet been named, may also face culpable homicide charges, police said.
"He lost control of the vehicle（车辆） and it collided with a barricade," police spokeswoman Edna Mamonyane told the Associated Press. "The Metro police found that he was drunk."The driver was expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing at a later stage.
Early reports quoted police as saying Nelson Mandela's former wife, Winnie Madikizela, had been in the car when the accident happened.
The foundation told the BBC Ms Madikizela-Mandela was not in the car - which was the only vehicle involved in the crash - but that she had been taken to hospital because of her shock at the news of Zenani's death.
Foundation spokesman Sello Hating said she had been released from hospital after a couple of hours and returned home.
"The family has asked for privacy as they mourn this tragedy," said the foundation in a statement.
In a letter of condolence to Mr Mandela, Fifa President Sepp Blatter described the young girl's death as "unspeakably tragic".
Zenani had celebrated her 13th birthday on 9 June.
South Africa has one of the world's worst road safety records, and there is an average of 42 deaths each day on roads across the country.(本文由在线英语听力室整理编辑) |