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Tragic Road Accident Claims Lives of Greek Football Supporters
A devastating traffic accident in western Romania has claimed the lives of seven supporters of Greek football club PAOK Saloniki. The fans were traveling to Lyon, France to attend their team's UEFA Europa League match against Olympique Lyonnais when their minibus collided head-on with a truck on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident occurred on the DN6-E70 highway near Lugojel in Timiș County, Romania. According to dashcam footage that has circulated online, the black minibus carrying ten PAOK fans attempted an overtaking maneuver, lost control, and veered into the opposite lane where it collided with an oncoming truck. The impact was catastrophic, with the minibus being torn apart and ending up in the roadside ditch.
'Our deepest condolences to the families of these children. In their unbearable pain, they will not be alone. The great family of PAOK will always stand by their side to ease this pain as much as possible,' said PAOK in an official statement.
Victims and Aftermath
All seven victims died at the scene. Three other passengers sustained injuries, with one reported to be in critical condition at Timișoara University Hospital. Greek media reports indicate all victims were young men aged 25-30 from Thessaloniki and surrounding areas in northern Greece.
The DN6 highway where the accident occurred is notoriously dangerous, often referred to as the 'road of death' due to its high fatality rate of 60-70 deaths annually. Romanian authorities have launched an investigation into the exact circumstances of the crash.
Football Community in Mourning
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Greek and European football communities. PAOK chairman Ivan Savvidis described the incident as an 'unspeakable tragedy' and mourned the loss of young supporters traveling to support their team. Flags flew at half-mast at PAOK's Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki.
Olympique Lyonnais announced that the deceased would be honored with a minute of silence before Thursday's scheduled Europa League match. 'We express our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as to the entire PAOK community,' the French club stated.
PAOK had requested that UEFA postpone the match, but the European football governing body declined, citing logistical challenges. The match will proceed as scheduled with tributes planned.
Government Response and Investigation
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed deep shock and offered government support to the victims' families. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassy staff in Bucharest are coordinating with Romanian authorities to provide assistance and support the investigation.
Rival Greek clubs including Olympiakos and Panathinaikos sent messages of unity and condolences, demonstrating how football rivalries are set aside in times of tragedy.
The accident highlights the risks associated with long-distance travel for sporting events and raises questions about road safety on Europe's dangerous highways. As the investigation continues, the football world mourns the loss of seven passionate supporters who were simply traveling to cheer on their team.
