Tragic Highway Crash Claims Lives of Seven Greek Football Fans
Seven devoted supporters of the Greek football club PAOK have lost their lives in a devastating road accident in Romania. The group was travelling to France to watch their team compete in a Europa League match when tragedy struck on Tuesday afternoon.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident occurred at approximately 1pm local time on the E70 highway in western Romania, between the towns of Caransebes and Lugojel. A minibus carrying ten PAOK fans collided head-on with a lorry, resulting in seven fatalities and leaving three supporters with serious injuries.
The supporters were making the journey from Thessaloniki in northern Greece to Lyon, France, where PAOK were scheduled to play Olympique Lyonnais in a crucial Europa League fixture. The club, currently positioned third in the Greek Super League and twelfth in the Europa League's league phase, has been plunged into mourning by this unexpected tragedy.
Club and National Response to the Tragedy
PAOK president Ivan Savvidis described the incident as 'an unspeakable tragedy' and expressed his devastation at 'the unjust loss of young people, fans of our beloved team'. The club has dispatched representatives to Romania to provide support to the injured fans and their families.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated he was 'deeply shaken' by the news and extended his 'sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the PAOK community'. Both the club and national leadership have emphasised their hope for the recovery of those injured in the collision.
Community Mourning and Tributes
Hundreds of supporters gathered at PAOK's Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki to pay their respects, laying candles and scarves in memory of those lost. Club officials, coaches, and players joined the mourning community in honouring the victims.
PAOK released an emotional statement on social media, bidding 'farewell to our children' and describing the pain as overwhelming. The statement emphasised that the bereaved families 'will not be alone' in their grief, with the entire PAOK community standing beside them.
Investigation and Continued Football Fixtures
Romanian authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Greek officials have travelled from Bucharest, approximately seven hours from the accident site, to assist with the inquiry and support those affected.
Despite the tragedy, PAOK's Europa League match against Lyon is expected to proceed as scheduled. UEFA has issued a statement expressing solidarity with the PAOK family during this difficult time, offering 'sincere condolences to everyone affected by this tragic accident'. The French club Lyon has confirmed that a tribute will be held at the Groupama Stadium before the match.
The football community across Europe joins in mourning this profound loss, as investigations continue into the causes of this heartbreaking incident on a Romanian highway.
