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.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece leads athlete parade along Seine at Paris Olympics’ historic opening ceremony

The Greek Olympic team led the athlete parade along the Seine River during the Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony on Friday, July 26.

Grateful organ recipient Dimitri Tsekinis shares story of survival for DonateLife Week

A lifeline was handed not once but twice to 43-year-old Dimitri Tsekinis when he was the recipient of two organs.

2024 Odyssey Art Prize: GOCSA announces open call for visual artists

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia’s Odyssey Festival celebrates 17 years of presence in Adelaide's cultural scene this year.

Dr Phil Kafcaloudes to explore ‘going English’ in lecture on Greek migration

"In a name-proud Greek culture, the decision to anglicise one’s family name is a profound study in migratory and cultural dynamics," says Dr Kafcaloudes.

Peter Kiritsis sells million-dollar Adelaide home as grandfather gifts it to grandkids

An Adelaide grandfather has set a new standard for grandparent gifts by purchasing a 1960s-built home for his grandchildren at auction.

You May Also Like

Bishops and Archiepiscopal Vicars of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese gather

Note: Below is a formal statement by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. This is not a statement by The Greek Herald. The 9th Meeting...

Australian designer Claire Lloyd transforms the old house of a priest in Lesvos

Australian, Claire Lloyd, visited Mytilene island 17 years ago, bought the old house of a priest and turned it into a tourist's dream.

Digital platform ‘myConsulLive’ now available at Greek Consulates of Sydney and Adelaide

The Consulates of Greece in Sydney and Adelaide are now offering the possibility to serve the public by video conference.