A tragic road accident in western Romania has left seven supporters of Greek football club PAOK dead and several others injured, but amid the heartbreak one Albanian man’s phone call has captured widespread attention, putting a human face on the horror of the collision.
The accident occurred on January 27 on the DN6/E70 highway near Timisoara, a route known locally as dangerous due to heavy traffic and limited safety features. The minibus carrying fans bound for a Europa League match in Lyon, France, collided with a heavy truck in a devastating crash that authorities are still investigating.
Heartbreaking Call Home
Among the survivors was 29-year-old Genci Sadiku, an Albanian supporter traveling with the group. Moments after calling Romanian emergency services to report the crash, Sadiku phoned his family in Greece. In a voice that shocked his loved ones, he said simply: “I don’t know how I’m calling you, I don’t know how I’m alive… but I know I’ll come home. Don’t worry.” His words have since spread across Greek and Balkan media, symbolizing both the terror of the crash and the fragile hope of survival.
Sadiku, who was reportedly in the rear of the minibus along with two other survivors, was taken to Timisoara’s University Hospital, where he remains in stable condition, according to sources.
Albanian Victim Identified
Tragically, not all made it through. Among the seven people killed was another Albanian fan, 29-year-old Vasil Palo (Pilo). Authorities and diplomatic sources confirmed his identity in the aftermath of the crash. Palo had lived for years with his family in Greece and was described by acquaintances as a passionate supporter of PAOK who never missed a match opportunity.
Relatives in Albania spoke of the shock and grief following news of his death. One cousin recounted how the family learned about the accident from television reports, struggling to grasp that a young man with his whole life ahead of him had perished on the way to a football game.
Wider Impact and Response
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Greece and the wider football community. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the accident as “deeply shocking,” pledging full support from Greek authorities to assist victims’ families and coordinate with Romanian officials.
Local Romanian supporters of another club have also mobilized, donating blood and raising funds to help the injured and the bereaved families, in a show of solidarity that has transcended national lines.
What Happened?
Initial investigations suggest that the minibus was attempting to overtake a truck when it lost control and veered into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a heavy vehicle. Eyewitness accounts and early official statements indicate that a sudden maneuver combined with poor weather or road conditions may have contributed to the collision.
Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances, including whether vehicle systems such as lane-assist technology played a role in limiting the driver’s ability to regain control.