A group of fans traveled from Greece to France via a detour through the countries of the European Union, so they wanted to avoid border controls in the Balkan countries, which do not belong to the EU.
On the territory of Romania, near Timişoara, their car collided head-on with a truck when it was overtaking in the opposite direction. Seven people died, the car was completely destroyed.
Tragedy in Romania: A van carrying fans of the Greek club PAOK crashed into an oncoming truck after attempting an overtaking maneuver
Seven people have died, and three others are injured and in critical condition
The victims were traveling to France to support their team in an… pic.twitter.com/WZQviGU4Rq
— Daily Romania (@daily_romania) January 27, 2026
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. “I was very shocked to learn about the tragic accident in Romania in which seven young compatriots lost their lives,” he wrote on social media. Sports Minister Giannis Vroutsis also joined in a similar spirit.
Great sadness spread directly in the ranks of PAOK Thessaloniki. “Today an unimaginable tragedy occurred. I am extremely shocked by the unjust loss of these young people, fans of our beloved club, who went to support our PAOK. I mourn with the families of the victims and millions of our compatriots,” club president Ivan Savvidis said on the website.
Hundreds of fans of the Greek club have since canceled their trip to France. The players of the PAOK team also expressed their condolences. Whether it’s former player Christos Zafeiris or Czech goalkeeper Jiří Pavlenka.
The club’s statement on social media is heartbreaking. “Time stops. Words run out. Pain penetrates body and mind. Tears flow from eyes. Grief overwhelms you, brings you to your knees, breaks you to pieces. Another indescribable tragedy for the PAOK family,” the club’s profile on the X network reads, among other things.
The players, representatives of the implementation team and the club itself already laid flowers at the stadium gates to honor the victims. The flags in front of the stadium are flying at half-mast.
Time stops. It’s freezing. Words are running out. Pain permeates the body and mind. Tears run from the eyes. Grief overwhelms you, brings you to your knees, breaks you apart.
Another dark day. Another unspeakable tragedy for the PAOK family.
Good trip to our children, who… pic.twitter.com/7OsUpzG0GW
— PAOK FC (@PAOK_FC) January 27, 2026
Lyon, for which Czechs Pavel Šulc and Adam Karabec also play, has already announced that a memorial event will be held before the match. UEFA rejected the possible postponement of Thursday’s match.
“Lyon extends its sincere condolences to PAOK following the tragic loss of many of its fans in a road accident. Our thoughts are also with the injured who are currently fighting for their lives.”
