Seven fans of the Greek football club PAOK Thessaloniki were killed and three others were seriously injured in a horrific traffic accident that occurred on Tuesday in western Romania, according to local authorities.
Romanian police reported that the accident happened when a minibus carrying ten fans was traveling from Greece to France to support their team in a match against French club Lyon in the Europa League. The minibus collided head-on with a truck in Timiș County while attempting to overtake on the opposite lane.
A police statement explained that the 29-year-old minibus driver entered the oncoming lane, leading to the direct collision with the truck. Emergency services stated that six people died at the scene, while the others were transported to the hospital, where one of the injured later died. Three individuals remain in critical condition and are receiving intensive care.
The Greek Prime Minister reacted to the incident, expressing his shock via his account on the “Facebook” platform:
“I am deeply shocked to learn of the tragic accident in Romania that claimed the lives of seven young citizens of ours. In these difficult moments, I extend, on behalf of all Greeks, my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the family of PAOK, whose team is set to host Lyon on Thursday in the Europa League.”
PAOK Thessaloniki also issued a moving statement via its account on the “X” platform, saying: “Time stops… it freezes… words dry up in the face of a new indescribable tragedy for the PAOK family,” affirming the club’s full support for the families of the victims and the injured, and pledging every effort to ensure the best medical care and their swift return home.
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the risks fans face while traveling across borders to support their sports teams, especially on long journeys. It comes amid growing calls to enhance road safety standards and ensure the protection of fans from fatal accidents.
PAOK Thessaloniki is one of the most prominent Greek clubs and boasts a large and famously loyal fanbase, which has caused the incident to resonate widely within European sports circles, with media and sports clubs reacting with profound sadness and grief.
Greece
Greece is a southeastern European country renowned as the cradle of Western civilization, being the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. Its rich history spans from the advanced Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations to the influential Classical Greek city-states and later incorporation into the Roman and Byzantine Empires. The country is globally celebrated for its ancient archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis in Athens, and its profound cultural legacy in art, literature, and science.
Romania
Romania is a southeastern European country with a rich history rooted in the ancient Dacian civilization and later Roman colonization, which gave the nation its name. It is known for cultural landmarks like the painted monasteries of Bucovina, the medieval castles of Transylvania, and the vibrant capital city of Bucharest.
France
France is a Western European nation with a rich history dating back to ancient Gaul, later shaped by Roman conquest, the rise of the monarchy, and the influential French Revolution of 1789. It is globally renowned for its cultural contributions in art, philosophy, cuisine, and fashion, and is home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.
PAOK Thessaloniki
PAOK Thessaloniki is a major Greek professional football club based in Thessaloniki, founded in 1926 by Greek refugees from Constantinople. The club is deeply tied to the identity of the refugee population and is renowned for its passionate fanbase and intense rivalry with Olympiacos.
Lyon
Lyon is a historic city in east-central France, founded by the Romans in 43 BC as Lugdunum, which became a major capital of Gaul. It is renowned for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture in the Vieux Lyon district and its significant role in the history of the European silk industry. The city’s cultural landscape, including its unique covered passageways known as traboules, earned it a UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Europa League
The UEFA Europa League is an annual football competition organized by UEFA, featuring clubs from across Europe. It was originally founded in 1971 as the UEFA Cup, before being rebranded to its current name in 2009. The tournament serves as a secondary competition to the UEFA Champions League, with the winner earning a place in the following season’s Champions League.
Timiș County
Timiș County is a historic region in western Romania, centered around the city of Timișoara. Its history is deeply marked by its time as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which left a significant architectural and cultural legacy. Today, it is a major economic and cultural hub, known for its multicultural heritage and for being the starting point of the 1989 Romanian Revolution.
Facebook
Facebook is a social media platform founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard University roommates. It began as a network for college students before expanding globally, fundamentally changing online communication and becoming one of the world’s largest technology companies.
X
X is a historic site known for its significant cultural heritage. It was originally constructed during [specific time period or dynasty] and served as [its primary function or importance]. Today, it stands as a major landmark and a testament to the region’s architectural and historical legacy.
