A firefighting operation at an abandoned building in Zephyri, in the municipality of Fyli, ended in tragedy on Saturday afternoon when two firefighters, aged 23 and 44, lost their lives after part of the structure collapsed while they were working inside. A third firefighter was injured in the incident.

Authorities are investigating whether the two men died from asphyxiation due to smoke and the conditions inside the burning building, or whether they were crushed by falling structural debris.

The fire broke out in an abandoned building on Katsantoni Street, in the municipality of Fyli, in west Attica, (on the north-western outskirts of Athens, near the foothills of Mount Parnitha).with the Fire Service Operations Centre receiving the alert at approximately 11:40 am. Twenty firefighters and six vehicles were dispatched from Athens’ 10th, 6th and 12th Fire Stations, alongside personnel from the 1st Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK).

During the firefighting operation, while crews were working inside the abandoned building, part of the structure gave way, triggering an emergency operation to rescue the trapped firefighters.

Two firefighters were initially pulled from the rubble unconscious and taken by ambulance to Attikon Hospital. A third firefighter was subsequently rescued with injuries.

Investigation into the 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, while crucial evidence is also expected to emerge from the examination of the precise circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two firefighters.

Civil Protection Minister pays tribute to fallen firefighters

“Today, the Fire Service family mourns two of its own who lost their lives in the line of duty,” Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas said in a statement.

“My thoughts are with their families and loved ones. I extend to them my deepest and most sincere condolences.”

“I also wish their colleague who was taken to hospital a swift and full recovery,” the minister added.

Watch video from the scene