Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he was “deeply shaken” by a tragic road accident in Romania that claimed the lives of seven Greek football fans, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and support for the injured.
In a public message, Mitsotakis said the Greek government and the country’s embassy were working closely with local authorities to provide all possible assistance. “In these difficult moments, together with all Greeks, I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the wider football community,” he said, adding his wishes for a swift recovery for those injured.
The victims were supporters of PAOK, a major football club based in northern Greece. Ten young fans had set out in a van from different parts of northern Greece on a long road journey of more than 3,000 kilometers, heading to Lyon, France, to attend an upcoming match. The trip ended in tragedy when their vehicle collided head-on with a truck on a Romanian road.
According to available information, six passengers died at the scene, while a seventh succumbed to injuries while being transported to hospital. Three others were injured and remain hospitalized, though their lives are not believed to be in danger.
Romanian authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crash. A local road safety expert said the incident does not appear to be a typical loss-of-control accident, noting that the van had attempted to overtake and then gradually veered into the opposite lane. Possible causes being examined include sudden driver illness or severe distraction.
A witness traveling nearby told media that the van had been making dangerous maneuvers shortly before the collision and appeared to misjudge an overtaking attempt involving multiple vehicles.
The scene of the crash was described as chaotic, with debris scattered across the road and surrounding fields. Adverse weather conditions reportedly prevented the use of aerial rescue services.
