Terrifying accident, seven Paok Thessaloniki fans die
A terrifying car accident has cost the lives of seven Paok fans who were on their way to France to watch Thursday’s Europa League match between Lyon and the Bianconeri. Images that are circulating on the Web leave no doubt as to the dynamics of the accident: in the Timis district, on Romanian territory, the Greeks’ vehicle encroached on the opposite lane, and the tremendous impact with the tractor-trailer was inevitable.
It is unclear whether the driver of the vehicle, according to initial information it would be a 29-year-old man, was taken ill or conditioned by a stroke of sleep: what is unfortunately certain is the number of victims. There are also three injured, who have been transported to the hospital: there were in fact ten in the bus altogether.
The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, expressed deep condolences over the tragedy, calling himself “deeply shaken” and offering, also on behalf of the Greek people, condolences to the families of the victims and to the HCL community. The mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, confirmed that the fans were headed to Lyon to follow their team. The news has deeply affected Greece, throwing the entire Paok community into mourning. Clubs, fan associations and political figures have publicly expressed grief and solidarity.
As a mark of respect, flags at half-mast were displayed at Toumba Stadium as fans gathered to light candles in memory of the seven missing supporters. Meanwhile, Politehnica Timișoara fans, shocked and saddened by the incident, also rallied to offer support to the families of the victims and the injured, promoting blood collections and financial donations.
Paok President Ivan Savvidis expressed grief over the tragedy, reiterating that the club will not abandon anyone and will face this moment with the utmost sense of responsibility and closeness. In an atmosphere of deep sorrow, the association “In the Name of Alkis” decided to postpone initiatives and activities after the tragic car accident. The news has shaken the entire sports community, and the association said it shares the mourning of the families and loved ones of the victims, honoring their memory through concrete and symbolic gestures.
The match will be played regularly, according to what is leaking out in these hours.
