Seven PAOK fans killed in bus crash while travelling to Europa League match in France

Seven supporters of Greek football club PAOK have been killed in a tragic minibus crash in Romania while travelling to France to watch their team face Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Europa League.

The accident occurred at around 1pm on Tuesday, when the minibus, carrying 10 PAOK fans, collided head-on with a lorry. Three others sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment.

Images from the scene show the devastating aftermath, with both the red-cabbed heavy goods vehicle and the minibus severely damaged by the impact.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he was “deeply shaken” by the incident and extended his “sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire PAOK community.”

PAOK, who are currently third in the Greek Super League and 12th in the Europa League league phase, dispatched club representatives to Romania to support the injured fans and liaise with authorities.

Describing the incident as an unimaginable loss, PAOK president Ivan Savvidis said:

“An unspeakable tragedy knocked on our door today. I am devastated by the unjust loss of young people, fans of our beloved team, who travelled to stand by our PAOK.

These children, the children of PAOK, are our children. They are members of a big family, and we never leave our family alone.”
He added that his thoughts were with the families of the victims and expressed hope for the recovery of those injured.

In Thessaloniki, hundreds of supporters gathered outside PAOK’s Toumba Stadium, lighting candles and laying scarves and flags in tribute. Coaches, players and club officials were also seen placing bouquets of flowers.

The club temporarily blacked out its social media pages and later released an emotional statement mourning the loss of the fans, describing it as “another black day” for the PAOK family and pledging unwavering support for the victims’ families and the injured.

According to the Greek City Times, PAOK requested the postponement of Thursday’s Europa League match, but UEFA decided against delaying the fixture. The governing body, however, expressed solidarity with the club.

“Sincere condolences to everyone affected by this tragic accident,” UEFA said in a statement on X, adding that it stands with the “PAOK family in times of grief.”
Olympique Lyonnais confirmed that a pre-match tribute will be held at the Groupama Stadium in honour of the supporters who lost their lives.