Seven PAOK fans killed in traffic accident in Romania
Seven supporters of Greek football club PAOK were killed in a traffic accident in Romania while traveling to attend a UEFA Europa League match, authorities and club officials said.
The minibus carrying PAOK fans was en route to the club’s Europa League fixture against Olympique Lyon when it was involved in a crash. In addition to the seven fatalities, several other passengers were injured and taken to hospital, according to initial reports.
The incident prompted an immediate response from the Greek government and PAOK officials, and has caused widespread shock and mourning across Greece’s sporting community.
Greek Prime Minister ‘Deeply shocked’
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he was “deeply shocked” upon learning of the tragedy.
“I was profoundly shaken by the news of this tragic accident in which seven young Greek citizens lost their lives,” Mitsotakis said in a statement.
He added that the Greek government and Greece’s embassy in Romania are working in close coordination with local authorities and that “all possible assistance is being provided.”
“In these difficult moments, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the PAOK community,” the prime minister said. “We wish the injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
PAOK and other clubs offer condolences
PAOK said it is in direct contact with the Greek government to support injured supporters and the families of those who lost their lives, adding that club representatives have been dispatched to Romania.
Club president Ivan Savvidis described the incident as an “indescribable tragedy.”
“The death of young people who set out to support their team has deeply wounded me,” Savvidis said. “I mourn together with the families of the victims.”
Messages of solidarity and condolence were also issued by rival Greek clubs, including Aris, Olympiakos and Panathinaikos. Olympique Lyon, PAOK’s opponent in the Europa League, also expressed its condolences.
Commemoration planned before match
A memorial ceremony will be held in honor of the deceased supporters ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Europa League match at Groupama Stadium in Lyon, organizers said.
Optimism for the three injured PAOK fans hospitalized in Romania
Doctors at the Timisoara hospital are optimistic about the condition of the three injured persons in the fatal traffic accident that occurred on Tuesday on the E-70 highway outside the city of Lugojel.
This was the message conveyed by the Greek Ambassador to Romania, Lili Grammatiki, who visited the hospital on Tuesday evening and was informed by the hospital management about the health of the three injured.
