Seven supporters of Greek football club PAOK Salonika lost their lives on Tuesday in a horrific road accident in western Romania, AFP reported. The fans were en route to watch their team compete in the Europa League when tragedy struck.
According to local authorities, a minibus carrying the supporters collided head-on with a truck, causing a catastrophic accident. Three additional passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving intensive care. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, with preliminary reports suggesting that excessive speed and adverse road conditions may have played a role.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed profound sorrow over the incident in a statement shared on social media. “I am deeply saddened by the death of seven young Greek citizens in this tragic accident in Romania. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims and to the entire PAOK Salonika football community,” he said.
PAOK Salonika club president Ivan Savvidis also described the event as an “indescribable tragedy” and conveyed his sympathy to the grieving families. The club confirmed that it would provide full support to the victims’ relatives and to the injured fans during their recovery.
Despite the shock, PAOK is scheduled to face Lyon in a Europa League fixture on Thursday. Club officials have indicated that the team and supporters are mourning collectively while preparing for the match. Romanian authorities have vowed to enhance highway safety measures following the incident.
The table below summarises the key details of the accident:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Western Romania |
| Date | 28 January 2026 |
| Fatalities | 7 PAOK Salonika supporters |
| Injured | 3 (seriously) |
| Vehicles Involved | Minibus and truck |
| Purpose of Journey | Attending Europa League match |
| Club Reaction | President Ivan Savvidis called it “an indescribable tragedy” |
| Government Response | Greek PM expressed condolences via social media |
The accident has sent shockwaves through the football community in Greece and across Europe, highlighting the risks faced by fans travelling long distances to support their teams. Authorities continue to investigate and have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Meanwhile, the PAOK family and the wider football community are left grappling with grief as they pay tribute to the seven young lives lost in pursuit of their passion for the sport.