Seven Greek football supporters traveling to France for a European match were killed Tuesday when their minibus collided head-on with a truck in western Romania, a tragedy that has plunged the nation and the PAOK sports family into mourning.
The crash occurred on National Road DN 6 in Timiș County. The minibus, carrying 10 people from the regions of Katerini, Imathia, and Thessaloniki, was en route to Lyon for Thursday's Europa League fixture.
According to Romanian police, the 29-year-old driver attempted to overtake another vehicle but failed to clear the lane in time. The minibus clipped a fuel tanker before careening into oncoming traffic, where it was crushed by a heavy goods lorry.
Seven people, including the driver, died instantly. Three survivors were pulled from the wreckage and transported to a hospital in Timișoara; one remains in critical condition on mechanical ventilation.
"The result is unfortunately tragic," said Raed Arafat, head of Romania’s Emergency Department, noting that poor weather grounded air rescue helicopters.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated he was "deeply shaken" by the loss of young lives. "The Greek government and our Embassy are working closely with local authorities to provide all possible support," Mr. Mitsotakis said.
Greek consular teams have arrived at the site to assist with the identification of victims and the repatriation of bodies.