New details have emerged about the tragic accident in Romania that claimed the lives of seven PAOK football fans, shedding light on what may have caused the van to collide with a truck.
According to Greek doctor Dimitris Koukoulas, who was among the first at the scene, one of the surviving passengers, in stable condition, reported that the steering system blocked during an overtaking attempt, causing the driver to lose control. The incident left the passengers in shock, he added.
“The van lost control after the lane-assist system blocked during a passing maneuver. The driver could not regain control,” Koukoulas told ERT. He also described meeting the victims’ families, who had come for identification, calling the scene “devastating.”
Technical Analysis of the Crash
A frame-by-frame review of video footage from the accident, conducted by traffic accident expert Philippos Brezas, highlighted the absence of a central dividing barrier, a factor that may have contributed to the fatalities.
The van, described as a black Peugeot Project 8+1 passenger vehicle, was reportedly captured on camera from a higher vantage point, likely from a truck. Analysis focused on whether the driver applied the brakes and how, with particular attention to the first frames where the van’s rear lights initially appeared off, then briefly illuminated as brake lights.
Brezas noted a prolonged braking sequence, which seems to have led to wheel lockup just before the collision with the truck. The van also veered left and activated its left indicator—a confusing combination with intense braking. Experts suggested that under panic, the driver may have triggered the signal involuntarily.
Condition of Survivors
Greek authorities report that three passengers survived the crash:
- One is in good condition and remains hospitalized as a precaution.
- Two are in serious condition, though neither is in life-threatening danger. One of the serious cases is more critical than the other.
The Greek ambassador visited the hospital, spoke with the survivors, and was updated on their recovery progress.
