A 52-year-old firefighter was fatally injured during an operation to assist hikers in a difficult-to-access area in the Sideritissa gorge on the island of Rhodes on Tuesday afternoon (22 September). The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has ordered an Official Administrative Inquiry (EDE).

A call for assistance from tourists in the area had preceded the incident. A firefighter based in the wider area rushed to the scene to assist them.

While attempting to reach and help the hikers, the firefighter fell from a considerable height, resulting in fatal injuries, according to rodiaki.gr. The firefighter was initially located by the drone patrolling the wider area, according to the same sources. An immediate response was launched, with the aim of providing assistance to the firefighter and evacuating him from the difficult-to-access location.

On the orders of Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas, the Chief of the Fire Service ordered an Official Administrative Inquiry (EDE) to fully investigate the circumstances and causes of the incident that resulted in the firefighter’s fatal injury.

The firefighter was originally from Embonas and was the father of two children.

“A day of mourning for the island”

Rhodes Mayor Alexandros Koliadis expressed his deep sorrow over the firefighter’s death in a statement.

“Today is a day of mourning for Rhodes,” the mayor said, stressing that the unjust death of a man of whom his colleagues have only good things to say has shocked the entire local community.

Mr Koliadis made particular reference to the contribution of Rhodes’ firefighters, who, as he noted, are always on the front line, serving under difficult and often dangerous conditions.

“Today, our firefighters are saying goodbye to one of their own, and together with them, we all mourn, the entire Rhodes community,” he said.

He concluded by expressing his sincere condolences to the deceased’s family and loved ones, as well as to his colleagues in the Fire Service, stressing: “We bid him farewell with respect for his service and sacrifice.”

The Fire Service statement

During a rescue and evacuation operation to a safe location of two (2) foreign nationals from a difficult-to-access area in the Sideritissa gorge on the island of Rhodes, a firefighter was fatally injured.

After being picked up by an EKAV ambulance, he was taken to Rhodes General Hospital, where his death was confirmed. An Official Administrative Inquiry will be conducted into the causes and circumstances of his death.

The leadership of the Fire Service expresses its deep sorrow and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of our deceased colleague.