The unfortunate tourist, a 35-year-old woman from Germany, was killed when a rock fell due to a heavy downpour that occurred after 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The downpour was reportedly not forecasted by meteorologists, nor was there any prior warning. The incident took place at a narrow section of the gorge, specifically at the “Portes” area, according to the website Cretalive.gr.
The rock detached from its position, hit a tree, and a part of it struck the woman on her thigh, leading to uncontrollable bleeding that caused her death.
A doctor, who was also a tourist and hiker, happened to be at the scene and rushed to provide first aid, but unfortunately, his efforts were in vain.
Emergency response units, including the Greek Rescue Team (EMAK) and the Mountain Rescue Service (EMODE), were dispatched to transport the woman’s body and assist 32 other hikers who were in the gorge to avoid them becoming trapped. Most of the stranded individuals were evacuated to Agia Roumeli, where they were taken by boat to Sfakia.
“The stranded people have left the area. Some elderly individuals remain in the village of Samaria for safety, but they are not considered trapped,” stated Alkiviadis Pentarakis, the head of the National Park’s staff, in an interview with MEGA.
