In this image released by DRDP Timisoara on Tuesday, Romanian emergency services operate at the site of the deadly crash, near Lugojel, Romania. [DRDP Timisoara via AP]
The three survivors of Tuesday’s minibus crash in Romania, which claimed the lives of seven PAOK supporters, are expected to be repatriated to Greece on Thursday aboard a specially configured aircraft.
Two of the injured are aged 20, while the third is 28. All three are currently being treated at Pius Brinzeu County Emergency Clinical Hospital in Timisoara and are expected to be transferred to Papageorgiou Hospital in Thessaloniki upon their return.
The aircraft, which has been specially configured by the Health Ministry for medical transport, is scheduled to depart from Elefsina air base, west of Athens.
Citing Defense Ministry sources, state broadcaster ERT reported that a C-130 military aircraft remains on standby at Elefsina to carry out the transfer, should it be requested by the competent authorities.
The crash occurred on a two-lane road near Timisoara as the victims were travelling to Lyon, France, to attend a Europa League match involving PAOK.
Meanwhile, Romanian authorities have completed the identification of the bodies of the seven PAOK supporters killed in Tuesday’s minibus crash, clearing the way for the issuance of death certificates and the repatriation of the victims to Greece.
“The bodies of the seven deceased have been identified and there will be an official announcement,” Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Loverdos said.
Loverdos said the three survivors of the crash are being treated at a university hospital in Romania and are receiving appropriate care. One of the injured suffered multiple injuries, while the other two are in better condition, he said, expressing condolences to the families of the victims and the wider PAOK community.
SKAI TV reported that the older of the three survivors assisted authorities in the identification process.
The issuance of death certificates is expected late Wednesday or early Thursday. Once released, the bodies are to be repatriated to Greece aboard a Greek government aircraft.
Greece’s ambassador to Romania, Lili Grammatiki, said all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the swift repatriation of the victims.
Earlier, a survivor of the crash claimed that the vehicle’s lane assist system may have contributed to the accident.