F-16 jets relocated as wildfires cause explosion at ammunition depot in Greece

·

Strong winds caused a wildfire to set off explosions at an air force ammunition depot in central Greece on Thursday, AP News reported.

The massive explosions shattered windows on nearby houses, but there were no deaths or injuries as the Greek fire service had evacuated the depot and surrounding villages earlier in the day.

According to AP News, the wildfire reached the ammunition storage facility where bombs and ammunition for Greek F-16 fighters were stored.

The storage facility is approximately 6 kilometres north of the major military air base in Nea Anchialos town.

F-16 fighter jets at a nearby base have been moved to another facility as a precaution, the Greek air force said.

Fire Service spokesman Ioannis Artopios said 12 villages were evacuated in the Volos-Nea Anchialos area, reported 9News.

This latest explosion comes as fires have raged across parts of Greece during three successive Mediterranean heat waves in the past two weeks, leaving five people dead, including two firefighting pilots, and triggering a huge weekend evacuation of tourists on the island of Rhodes.

On Thursday, Greek firefighters battled flames for a 10 successive day on Rhodes, where officials said the blazes were largely contained. Flare-ups were reported on the island of Evia.

Source: AP News

READ MORE: Australian helicopters join fight against wildfires in Greece.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Kytherians in Australia celebrate legacy and philanthropy at annual Debutante Ball

The Kytherian Association of Australia hosted their Annual Debutante Ball on Saturday, May 18, at the Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney.

Sydney’s Pontian community gather to remember lives lost during Greek Genocide

On Sunday, 19 May 2024, Pontoxeniteas NSW held a poignant commemoration of the Greek Genocide. Read more here.

Panarcadian Mother’s Day focuses on health, Hippocrates and heritage

On Sunday, May 19th, the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, "O Kolokotronis," held their successful annual Mother's Day event

St Stephanos church receives Panagia Soumela icon from Pontian Society of Sydney

The Pontian Society of Sydney presented a sacred icon of Panagia Soumela to St Stephanos Greek Orthodox Church.

AHEPA NSW members agree on special resolutions at Annual General Meeting

AHEPA NSW held its General Meeting on Sunday, May 19 where members agreed on multiple resolutions. Read more here.

You May Also Like

The Plundered Past of the Parthenon Sculptures: How the Greeks can get back their marbles

By George Vardas In late 2014 the eminent international human rights lawyer, Geoffrey Robertson QC and his legal team, which included Amal Clooney, went to...

Sydney event to showcase vital role of multicultural media in shaping Australia’s media landscape

Independent Multicultural Media Australia is hosting an event at NSW Parliament on Wednesday, May 15. Read more here.

Greek Australian Billy Tsikrikas signs loan deal with English rugby league club

Greek Australian NRL player, Billy Tsikrikas, has signed a loan deal with English rugby league club Castleford Tigers.