Seven supporters of Greek football club PAOK have tragically lost their lives following a horrific road accident in Romania. The group were travelling to France to watch their team's Europa League match against Olympique Lyonnais when the minibus they were in was involved in a head-on collision with a lorry.
Details of the Devastating Collision
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 1pm on Tuesday afternoon. A total of ten fans were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. In addition to the seven fatalities, three individuals sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. Images emerging from the scene depict the severe aftermath, showing both the red-cabbed heavy goods vehicle and the minibus extensively damaged by the force of the impact.
National and Club Mourning
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed that he was 'deeply shaken' by the tragedy, extending his 'sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the PAOK community'. The club, which sits third in the Greek Super League and twelfth in the Europa League's league phase, has dispatched representatives to Romania to provide support for the injured fans.
PAOK president Ivan Savvidis released an emotional statement, describing the event as 'an unspeakable tragedy'. He said, 'I am devastated by the unjust loss of young people, fans of our beloved team, who traveled to stand by our PAOK. I mourn with the families and millions of our compatriots. May God rest their souls.' He emphasised the club's familial bond, adding, 'These children, the children of PAOK, are our children, they are members of a big family. And we do everything for our family and we don't leave anyone alone.'
Outpouring of Grief in Thessaloniki
Hundreds of devastated supporters gathered outside PAOK's Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki to pay their respects. The vigil saw candles lit, and scarves and flags placed in tribute to those who lost their lives. Club officials, coaches, and players were also present, laying bouquets of flowers at the stadium gates.
In a period of official mourning, PAOK has blacked out all its social media profiles. The club posted a further poignant statement online: 'Time stops. It freezes. Words run dry. Pain pierces through body and mind. Tears stream from the eyes. Grief overwhelms you, brings you to your knees, shatters you.'
The statement continued, 'Another black day. Another unspeakable tragedy for the PAOK family. Farewell to our children, whose love for those four letters took them far away... Our deepest condolences to the families of these children. In their unbearable pain, they will not be alone. The great PAOK family will always stand beside them.' The club also pledged full support for the injured, promising to ensure they receive the best possible medical care.
Match Proceeds with Tributes Planned
Despite requests from PAOK, UEFA has decided not to postpone the Europa League match scheduled for Thursday. However, the governing body issued a statement on social media platform X, expressing that it stands with the 'PAOK family in times of grief' and offering 'sincere condolences to everyone affected by this tragic accident'.
Olympique Lyonnais confirmed that they will honour the memory of the deceased supporters with a pre-match tribute at their Groupama Stadium in central southeast France before the fixture proceeds.
