A firefighter who was swept away by floodwater during a rescue operation in a village in the municipality of Alexandroupolis was found dead on Monday afternoon, according to Ekathimerini.
The 46-year-old man, along with other firemen, had been called to evacuate 21 children and two teachers from a kindergarten in the community of Apalou.
At the school, the small firefighting vehicle was trapped in a flooded storm drain. The front-seat passenger was able to exit the vehicle but the driver was swept away, according to the Deputy Regional Governor of the Evros region, Dimitris Petrovits.
The firefighter’s body was retrieved later in an area near Alexandroupolis’ Dimokritos Airport.
The fire service said it will conduct an investigation into the death of the 46-year-old, who according to Greek public broadcaster, ERT, was a father of three underage children.
The evacuees were safety relocated.
Later on Twitter, Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, expressed his sadness over the death of the firefighter during the rescue operation.
“We are saddened by the loss of the firefighter who lost his life trying to help students in danger. Everyone’s thoughts are with his family, which will be supported the State. I express my gratitude and my sincere condolences,” he wrote.
Source: Ekathimerini.
