The vehicle, a minibus carrying 10 passengers, had departed Greece and was traveling to France. The fans planned to attend Thursday’s Europa League match between their beloved PAOK Salonika and Lyon.
In western Romania, the minibus collided head-on with a truck. The crash was captured on camera by a vehicle behind them footage that shows at least one person being thrown from the wreckage.
Rescue teams initially found six people dead at the scene. Four others were injured inside the minibus. One of the injured later died while being transported to the hospital.
The three survivors are conscious and have been transferred to Timisoara University Hospital. All passengers were Greek citizens.
“Deeply shaken, I was informed of the tragic accident in Romania that cost the lives of seven young compatriots. The Greek government and our embassy are in close coordination with the local authorities, providing every possible form of support.”
“In these difficult moments, together with all Greeks, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the PAOK community. We all share the hope that the injured will recover quickly. Our thoughts are with them.”
“I am devastated by the unjust loss of young people, fans of our beloved team, who traveled to stand by our PAOK. I mourn with the families and millions of our compatriots.”
This tragedy comes during a difficult period for the global sports community. Just weeks earlier, 16-year-old soccer star Elizabeth Angle died in a sledding accident.
Romanian authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident. The game in France is scheduled to proceed Thursday, but the PAOK community will be mourning.
Seven fans set out to support their team. They never made it.