Woman and child dead in fire at Moria refugee camp, police respond with tear gas

·

A wildfire in Moria hotspot broke out yesterday, leaving at least 2 refugees dead. It has not been confirmed yet whether there are more casualties.

It was reported the fire broke out due to an electricity short circuit.

A forensic examination is underway of the charred corpse of a woman, which was transferred from Moria to Lesvos General Hospital on Sunday evening by a local individual.

Police are trying to reach the burnt housing containers where a second corpse, of a child, is reportedly located, police sources say.

Meanwhile, additional police forces are being deployed to Lesvos to help contain clashes between camp residents and local police.

In a statement by police headquarters, the upheaval broke out after two fires that occurred separately, first outside and then inside Moria camp.

Furthermore, the Deputy Minister of Citizen Protection Lefteris Economou, along with the Chief of Police and the Secretary General for Migration Policy are heading to Lesvos.

The first fire occurred 400 meters outside the camp, while a second fire occurred twenty minutes later at a housing unit inside the camp, which was destroyed while flames spread to adjacent housing units.

Witnesses also shared reports of police responding with tear gas and abuse, to contain the panic.

Humanitarian aid organisation, Movement On The Ground, wrote on their social media:

“Unfortunately we can’t say that we are shocked. Over a month ago we rang the alarm that the situation in and around Moria was extremely worrying. And today, despite all our efforts we regret it was in vain for the souls we lost today,” they said.

“We continue our mission as we are here to serve the people but we realize more than ever this situation needs to change.”

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Latest News

Dr Fay Makantasi to examine Greece’s future at Sydney Consulate centenary event

On Saturday, June 6, Fay Makantasi will deliver a public lecture in Sydney examining the economic realities shaping contemporary Greece.

Cyprus Community of NSW to launch ANZAC exhibition and book on Cypriot wartime legacy 

The Cyprus Community of NSW has announced the launch of a significant new exhibition and accompanying publication.

Saints farewell Maper Maker in style with dominant victory

The St George Saints Youth League Men Red delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season on Saturday.

Family of Dr Anastasia Kalantzis pushes for Mental Health Act reform in Victoria

A Greek Australian family is speaking out about mental health and gaps in Victorian healthcare following the death of Dr Anastasia Kalantzis.

Students honoured in national Venizelos competition at moving Melbourne ceremony

A moving evening of history, culture and achievement unfolded in Melbourne during the closing ceremony of an educational exhibition.

You May Also Like

Greek city to use Christmas money for more ICU beds

the donation to the state-run Serres General Hospital was expected to total 110,000 euros.

All Saints Grammar students receive Watson School Leadership awards

All Saints Grammar School in Sydney has celebrated the achievement of its Year 12 school captains, Vasileios and Karina.

Saint Paisios the Athonite: Patron and Protector of Australia

Saint Paisios of Mount Athos was credited for many miracles and prophecies, being proclaimed a Saint of the Orthodox Church in 2015.