Tragic Bus Crash in Romania Claims Lives of Seven PAOK Fans En Route to Europa League Clash

A horrific minibus collision on a Romanian highway has shattered the PAOK Saloniki fanbase, killing seven supporters travelling to cheer their team against Olympique Lyon in the UEFA Europa League. The accident unfolded on Monday afternoon near Lugojel in Timiș County, turning a routine road trip into a national tragedy.

Collision Details

Emergency crews rushed to the DN6 highway around 1:05 PM after a minibus packed with PAOK ultras attempted a risky overtake. The vehicle sideswiped a tanker truck before swerving into the oncoming lanes and smashing head-on into a massive semi-trailer. Dashcam footage circulating online shows the frantic moments leading to the fiery impact, with the minibus mangled beyond recognition. Overloaded with 10 passengers plus the driver in an eight-seat vehicle, the group had opted for the Balkan route through Bulgaria and Romania to avoid long EU border waits at Hungary for Thursday’s knockout clash.

Victims and Survivors

All seven fatalities were identified as young PAOK devotees aged 28 to 30, alongside the 29-year-old Romanian driver who perished instantly. Three injured fans cling to life in Timișoara hospitals: two in grave condition after spine scans, the third stabilising but under watch. Rescue teams deployed helicopters, SMURD units, and heavy extrication gear amid twisted metal and fuel spills, highlighting Romania’s swift highway response capabilities.

Outpouring of Grief

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis led condolences, mobilising embassy aid for families and victims’ transport. PAOK president Ivan Savvidis labelled it an “unspeakable loss,” dispatching club officials to Romania while rivals Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, and Aris united in solidarity chants. Lyon pledged a heartfelt stadium tribute, underscoring football’s family bonds beyond borders. In Greece, shockwaves prompted vigils in Thessaloniki, PAOK’s heartland.

Motorsport Angle and Road Safety Wake-Up

Rally expert Titi Aur dissected possible causes: excessive speed, poor visibility, or driver fatigue on the long haul from Greece. The crash spotlights dangers for fan convoys on Romania’s key arteries, echoing past tragedies and spurring calls for stricter convoy rules ahead of major UEFA ties. As investigations probe overload and manoeuvres, PAOK’s Razvan Lucescu-led squad carries the weight of this loss into Lyon.

This devastating event grips Romania and Greece, blending sports passion with profound sorrow on roads meant for safe journeys.