A devastating traffic accident on a Romanian highway has claimed the lives of seven Greek football fans. The victims were traveling from Alexandria, Imathia, to France to support their team, PAOK, in their Europa League match against Lyon.
The accident occurred on the DN6 – E70 highway near Lugojelul. According to local reports from digi24.ro, a minibus carrying ten passengers from Greece attempted an overtaking maneuver. As the driver tried to return to the lane, the vehicle clipped a tanker truck, spun out of control, and was hurled into the opposite lane, where it collided head-on with a heavy truck.
In total, four vehicles were involved: a truck, the minibus, and two passenger cars. Emergency responders faced significant challenges as severe weather conditions prevented rescue helicopters from reaching the scene.
Three survivors were rushed to a hospital in Lugoj. Two remain in critical condition, while the third is being treated for serious injuries. The tragedy comes just days before PAOK’s final Europa League League Phase match against Lyon, scheduled for Thursday night (January 29, 2026).
In Northern Greece, PAOK is far more than just a sports club; it is a profound cultural identity and a symbol of regional pride. Based in Thessaloniki, the club’s influence permeates almost every corner of Macedonia and Thrace, where the “Double-Headed Eagle” emblem is a ubiquitous sight.
