The EKAV medical aircraft has arrived in Timișoara, Romania, to transport two injured PAOK supporters back to Greece following the deadly road accident that claimed the lives of seven fans.
Twenty-year-old Konstantinos and 28-year-old Marios, two of the three injured supporters, are expected to return to Greece within hours. The EKAV plane took off from Elefsina shortly after 9:15 a.m. and landed in Timișoara at 10:33 a.m.
Konstantinos was the first to be discharged from Timișoara Hospital and was transferred by ambulance to the city’s airport, where he boarded the EKAV aircraft for his return to Greece.
His father, who rushed to the hospital, said emotionally:
“He has suffered a head injury and is in shock. Things are not easy, but we are moving in a positive direction. My condolences to the families of the victims.”
Shortly afterward, Marios was also discharged and transported by ambulance to the airport.
The third injured supporter, 20-year-old Kostas, remains hospitalized in Timișoara and underwent surgery yesterday. Doctors say he needs to stay in hospital for some time.
Repatriation of the Seven Victims’ Bodies
Later today, the bodies of the seven PAOK supporters who were killed in the crash on Tuesday afternoon will also be repatriated to Greece. A C-130 military aircraft is scheduled to depart Greece at 1:00 p.m. for this purpose.
Meanwhile, the investigation by Romanian authorities continues, with critical questions still unanswered regarding the exact causes of the accident.
The identification process for all victims was completed yesterday.
Testimony from One of the Injured Survivors
One of the injured survivors, speaking to MEGA TV, said:
“I remember everything. I never lost consciousness, not even for a moment. We were like brothers in the van—we are very close friends.”
“I don’t know exactly what happened; I wasn’t driving. Right now, I am mourning my friends. Today is a day of grief. I don’t care what statements have been given—I can’t know that,” he added.
He continued:
“There are three survivors—myself and two others in hospital—and seven dead. I’m alone in a room, I don’t speak Romanian and my English isn’t very good. By chance, I heard their voices while being taken for an MRI, and at least I knew they were alive. The doctors told me they had a stable night and are doing well. It’s very likely we will all leave by plane tomorrow. I have some fractures and broken bones.”
Describing the trip, he said the van was rented from Edessa, with passengers picked up in Thessaloniki and other regions.
“We were like brothers. We were very close friends,” he concluded.
PAOK to Pay Tribute on Sunday
On Sunday, during PAOK’s match against Panserraikos, the entire club—players, management, and fans—will pay tribute to the seven young supporters who lost their lives.
PAOK FC has announced a general admission price of €5, while supporters’ associations are preparing commemorative actions in memory of the victims.
The match will be dedicated entirely to them.
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