Seven football fans have been killed in a devastating road accident in Romania. The supporters were travelling to France for a Europa League match.
The incident has shocked football communities across Europe. The victims were all supporters of Greek club PAOK. They were heading to Lyon for a crucial Europa League clash.
However, their journey ended in tragedy on Tuesday afternoon.
The fatal crash occurred on a busy Romanian highway. A minivan carrying the fans collided head-on with an oncoming lorry. Within moments, lives were lost and dreams were shattered.
According to reports, all 10 PAOK supporters were travelling in a black minivan. They were moving along the E70 highway in western Romania. The route runs between the towns of Caransebes and Lugoj.
At around 1pm, the driver attempted to overtake another vehicle. Dashcam footage later showed the van moving into the opposite lane.
However, an approaching lorry appeared with no space to avoid impact.
The driver tried to swerve back. Unfortunately, the move placed the van directly in the lorry’s path. A violent collision followed, scattering debris across both lanes.
Moreover, the smaller minivan was thrown across the road. The impact was described by witnesses as horrific. Traffic was brought to a standstill immediately.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene within minutes. Romania’s fire service confirmed receiving the distress call at 1.05pm.
In a statement, officials said: “Around 1.05 p.m. we were called to respond to a traffic accident on the E70, near the village of Lugoj.
“A first aid vehicle, an extrication vehicle, a fire engine and personnel transport vehicles immediately dispatched to the scene.”
However, rescue efforts were limited by weather conditions. The head of Romanian Civil Protection said air ambulances could not be deployed.
It was later confirmed that seven men had died. Three others were taken to hospital with serious injuries. All victims were aged between 28 and 30.
Meanwhile, tributes have poured in from Greece. Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis expressed deep sorrow.
He said: “Our thoughts are with the PAOK fans who lost their lives in Romania, on the way to their beloved team’s away game.
“My sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic accident, and a speedy recovery to the injured.”
