BUCHAREST, Romania — In an “unspeakable tragedy” that has sent shockwaves across the European football community, the Greek government confirmed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, that seven devoted supporters of the Thessaloniki-based soccer club PAOK were killed in a devastating vehicle collision in western Romania.
The fans, described by officials as “young compatriots,” were traveling in a minibus toward Lyon, France, to support their beloved team in an upcoming UEFA Europa League fixture scheduled for Thursday. The accident occurred on the E70 highway near the village of Lugojel, in Timiș County, approximately seven hours by road from the Romanian capital.
The Fatal Collision
According to Romanian police and local media reports, the tragedy unfolded around 1:00 p.m. local time. Dashcam footage aired by Romanian broadcasters captured the harrowing final moments of the journey. The black minibus, carrying 10 passengers who had reportedly departed from Katerini, Greece, attempted a high-speed overtaking maneuver on the DN6–E70 highway.
Witnesses reported that the minibus driver attempted to return to his lane upon seeing an oncoming truck, but the vehicle clipped a tanker carrying alcohol before being propelled head-on into a semi-truck (TIR) traveling in the opposite direction. The force of the impact was so severe that the minibus was reduced to a mangled heap of metal.
“The overtaking maneuver was extremely dangerous,” one eyewitness told Romanian television. “He realized the truck was coming and tried to return, but he collided and was pushed directly onto it. I only saw one man get out of the vehicle standing. The other victims were on the road and in the field… they were in very bad condition.”
Emergency Response and Casualties
Romanian emergency services, including fire engines, extrication units, and first aid vehicles, arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. Despite the rapid response, seven individuals were pronounced dead at the site.
Three survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals. Medical officials stated that the survivors were conscious upon arrival but remain in serious to critical condition. Efforts to deploy emergency medical helicopters were reportedly hampered by adverse weather conditions in the region, forcing rescuers to rely on ground transport.
National Mourning and Official Reactions
The news has plunged Greece into a state of mourning. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his heartbreak in a formal statement:
“Deeply shaken, I was informed of the tragic accident in Romania that cost the lives of seven young compatriots. In these difficult moments, together with all Greeks, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the PAOK community. Our thoughts are with the injured for a quick recovery.”
PAOK President Ivan Savvidis also issued a poignant tribute, stating he was “devastated by the unjust loss of young people” who had traveled thousands of miles simply to “stand by our PAOK.”
The Greek Embassy in Bucharest has dispatched a delegation to the crash site to coordinate with Romanian authorities. PAOK FC has also sent club representatives and legal counsel to the region to assist with the repatriation of the bodies and to provide support for the families of the deceased.
Football Community Stands United
In a rare show of solidarity in the often-volatile world of Greek football, rival clubs—including Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, and Aris—issued messages of condolences, putting aside sporting differences to honor the fallen fans.
Olympique Lyonnais, the French club PAOK was set to face on Thursday, released a statement expressing “sincere condolences” and confirmed that a tribute would be held at the Groupama Stadium during the match to honor the victims.
Investigation Underway
Romanian authorities have launched a formal investigation into the exact circumstances of the collision. Preliminary findings point to the dangerous overtaking maneuver as the primary cause, though investigators are also looking into road conditions and vehicle safety standards.
For the PAOK faithful, the journey to France was supposed to be a celebration of sport and loyalty. Instead, it has become a dark chapter in the club’s history, echoing the tragic Tempi accident of 1999 that also claimed the lives of PAOK supporters.
As the “black-and-white” community of Thessaloniki grieves, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and the families left behind by a tragedy that has touched the heart of European soccer.