Tragic Traffic Crash in Romania Claims Lives of Seven PAOK Fans
A tragic traffic accident in Romania has resulted in the loss of seven lives, all of whom were supporters of the Greek football club, PAOK. The incident occurred on Tuesday and involved a minivan carrying fans who were en route to a Europa League match in France against Lyon.
Details of the Accident
The minivan, which was traveling with ten passengers, collided head-on with a truck at approximately 1 p.m. on the E70 highway. This incident took place between the towns of Caransebes and Lugojel in western Romania. Reports indicate that three additional individuals sustained serious injuries and are currently hospitalized.
Victims and Injuries
- All seven deceased were fans of PAOK from Greece.
- The victims included three individuals from Alexandria, Greece, aged between 25 and 27.
- Another victim was reported from the nearby region of Pieria.
Response and Investigation
Romania’s fire service responded swiftly to the crash, deploying multiple emergency vehicles to the scene. Initially, adverse weather conditions hampered the operation of emergency helicopters, further complicating the response effort.
Romanian authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, while officials from the Greek embassy are en route to the crash site, situated about seven hours from Bucharest.
Reactions from Club Officials
The chairman of PAOK, Ivan Savvidis, expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss. He emphasized that the victims were part of the PAOK family, sharing condolences with their families. Thessaloniki’s Mayor, Stelios Angeloudis, also extended his sympathies, mourning the loss of the fans traveling for their team.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the risks associated with travel for sporting events. As investigations continue, the PAOK community and the wider public reflect on this devastating event that has claimed young lives in pursuit of their passion for football.
