Greece complains to Serbia, Ukraine over cargo plane crash

·

Greece filed an official complaint with Serbia and Ukraine after a cargo plane carrying mortar ammunition crashed while attempting an emergency landing in northern Greece on Saturday night, Ekathimerini reports.

According to Greek diplomatic sources, the complaint will protest the failure of Serbia and Ukraine to brief Athens about the dangerous cargo carried by the Antonov plane.

Themistoklis Demiris, secretary-general of Greece’s Foreign Ministry, made the complaint to Ukraine’s ambassador in Athens, Sergii Shutenko.

Debris of an Antonov cargo plane in Palaiochori village in northern Greece, Sunday, July 17, 2022, after it reportedly crashed Saturday near the city of Kavala. Photo: AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos.

Greece’s ambassador in Belgrade will deliver the demarche to Serbia, AP News reports.

Eight crew members on the An-12 cargo plane, operated by a Ukrainian company, were killed in the crash on Saturday outside the northern Greek city of Kavala. The crash was followed by at least two hours of explosions.

Serbian officials said the plane had been carrying 11.5 tons of Serbian-made mortar ammunition to Bangladesh, and had been due to make a stopover in Amman, Jordan.

Army specialists in protective suits are deployed at the site of crashed Ukrainian cargo plane in Palaiochri village, near the northern city of Kavala, Greece, on Sunday, July 18, 2022. Photo: Greek Civil Protection Ministry via AP.

Fire Service spokesman, Yiannis Artopios, said no hazardous substances were detected following a crash site inspection by army specialists from a nuclear, chemical and biological defence division.

The ammunition was scattered over a 500-meter radius at the crash site and was expected to take several days to clear.

Source: AP News and Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Dr Panayota Nazou on the unsung heroines of the Greek War of Independence

“Although we can’t support that women played the leading role in the Greek War of Independence, it would be very wrong to say that...

On This Day: The Liberation of Ioannina

With astounding heroism, the Greek Army conquered Bizani and forced Essat Pasha to surrender the city of Ioannina on February 21st 1913.

‘My family are super proud’: George Karlaftis to play in first ever Super Bowl

Greek-born professional American football player, George Karlaftis, will play for the first time in the NFL Super Bowl February 12.