“The Embassy, as soon as it was informed yesterday afternoon about the incident, was called to handle a difficult crisis, which is simultaneously a tragedy, as it concerns young people,” said the Greek ambassador to Bucharest, Evangelia (Lili) Grammatika regarding the car accident involving PAOK fans in Romania, from the hospital in Timișoara.
Specifically, the ambassador provided an update to journalists present at the scene, stating that unfortunately in this accident, seven young people were killed on the spot and three were injured. As the ambassador said, “two are hospitalized in more serious condition, however they are stable and the prognosis is considered optimistic. The third victim is in much better condition and remains under observation as well.”
“I would like to emphasize and highlight the assistance and excellent cooperation offered by the Romanian authorities from the first moment, both at ministerial and highest levels, as well as at operational level on site,” the ambassador also said. She emphasized that the embassy’s priority is the repatriation of the seven bodies of the victims as soon as possible, after the necessary procedures are completed.
As the ambassador said, relatives of the victims who had the opportunity have already traveled and are in Timișoara. “Some families that had the opportunity have already rushed and are arriving. Of course, we are taking care of the treatment of the injured, as well as their repatriation when it becomes feasible, under the best possible conditions. The injured are in stable condition and even the most seriously injured, whom I visited personally, presents an optimistic picture, despite the severity of his injuries,” she noted.
“The accident is under investigation regarding its causes,” she emphasized. Finally, she expressed the condolences of the entire embassy to the families of the victims.
PAOK fans accident in Romania: Full statement from Greek ambassador to Bucharest
“The Embassy, as soon as it was informed yesterday afternoon about the incident, was called to handle a difficult crisis, which is simultaneously a tragedy, as it concerns young people. Unfortunately, seven people lost their lives on the spot in the accident, while there are also three injured. Two are hospitalized in more serious condition, however they are stable and the prognosis is considered optimistic. The third victim is in much better condition and remains under observation as well.
Since yesterday, an Embassy team went on site early in the afternoon, while I myself arrived in the area yesterday evening.
I would like to emphasize and highlight the assistance and excellent cooperation offered by the Romanian authorities from the first moment, both at ministerial and highest levels, as well as at operational level on site.
The accident is under investigation regarding its causes.
At this moment, from the Greek side, our immediate priorities are, first, the completion of necessary procedures for the repatriation of the seven bodies as soon as possible.
At the same time, some families that had the opportunity have already rushed and are arriving. Of course, we are taking care of the treatment of the injured, as well as their repatriation when it becomes feasible, under the best possible conditions. The injured are in stable condition and even the most seriously injured, whom I visited personally, presents an optimistic picture, despite the severity of his injuries.
At this moment, regarding what exactly happened at that moment, it is not the role of the Greek Embassy to investigate the exact causes of the accident. Our role is to assist the relatives of the victims and cooperate with the competent authorities, so that the repatriation of the bodies is completed as soon as possible.
The Greek state supports us fully. We are in continuous and open communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with all competent Greek authorities. At the same time, I repeat our gratitude for the continuous assistance of Romanian authorities at all levels.
I express my sincere condolences, both personally and on behalf of the entire Embassy. The entire Embassy is fully mobilized. Three of us are here from Bucharest, while all our services remain in full mobilization both in Bucharest and in Athens.
Our effort is to complete the procedures as soon as possible, even within tomorrow. Parallel actions are being taken both here and in Athens, in close coordination with Romanian authorities, who assist us substantially, so that repatriation takes place as soon as possible.
We have been particularly moved by the condolences and support expressed at the highest level, both from the Romanian Prime Minister and from Ministers, who have communicated with their Greek counterparts. Similarly, there was immediate and comprehensive response from Greece as well.
Personally, as a mother and as a Greek, like all of us, we have been deeply shocked by this tragic accident. We all stand by the victims and their families. We wish and hope that the causes of this tragedy will be fully investigated and, above all, that such a tragic event will not be repeated.”
