A firefighting operation at an abandoned building in Zefyri, in the municipality of Fyli, ended in tragedy on Saturday afternoon when two firefighters, aged 22 and 40, lost their lives after part of the building collapsed while they were battling the blaze. A third firefighter was injured in the incident.
Authorities are investigating whether the two men died from asphyxiation due to smoke and conditions inside the burning building or whether they were crushed by falling structural debris.
Fire breaks out in abandoned building
The fire broke out in an abandoned building on Katsantoni Street in the municipality of Fyli, with the Fire Service Operations Centre receiving the alert at approximately 11:40am.
A total of 20 firefighters and six fire engines were dispatched from Athens’ 10th, 6th and 12th Fire Stations, alongside personnel from the 1st Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK).
During the firefighting operation, part of the building collapsed while firefighters were working inside, triggering an emergency rescue operation to free their trapped colleagues.
Two firefighters confirmed dead, one injured
One firefighter was initially pulled from the rubble unconscious and taken by ambulance from Greece’s National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAB) to Attikon Hospital.
A second firefighter was rescued with injuries, while initial reports indicated that a third firefighter was still missing.
Subsequent information confirmed that two firefighters had died and another had been injured.
Investigation into fire and building collapse
The cause of the fire and the circumstances that led to the partial collapse of the building remain under investigation.
The Athens Arson Crimes Investigation Unit has been mobilised to examine the incident.
Investigators are also expected to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two firefighters, including whether they resulted from smoke inhalation or injuries sustained during the collapse.
Source: Proto Thema
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