Seven fans of Greek Europa League club POAK killed in minibus crash in Romania

Seven fans of the Greek football club POAK have died in a minibus crash in Romania.

The incident occurred while the group was travelling to a Europa League game at Lyon, Greece’s government confirmed on Tuesday.

The crash was shortly before 1pm on European Road 70, near the village of Lugojel, when the minibus carrying ten passengers entered the opposite lane while overtaking and collided head-on with an oncoming truck, police said.

The minibus was then struck by a second heavy vehicle, a tanker truck.

The impact completely destroyed the minibus, scattering debris across the roadway. Emergency services, including a multi-victim response unit, were dispatched to the scene.

Rescue teams initially found six people dead and four injured inside the minibus. One of the injured later died while being transported to hospital, raising the death toll to seven. All of the victims were travelling in the minibus.

Authorities said the passengers were Greek citizens and supporters of the football club PAOK Thessaloniki, who were traveling to France for a match. The driver of the minibus was among those killed.

A criminal investigation has been opened on suspicion of manslaughter, and inquiries into the exact circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “Deeply shaken, I was informed of the tragic accident in Romania that cost the lives of seven young compatriots.

“The Greek government and our embassy are in close co-ordination with the local authorities, providing every possible form of support.

“In these difficult moments, together with all Greeks, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the PAOK community.

“We all share the hope that the injured will recover quickly. Our thoughts are with them.”

PAOK is in direct communication with the government, co-ordinating support for families and injured fans, and sending club representatives to Romania.