Authorities have put findings from the tragedy site at the Rhodes Firing Range under the microscope, with the official report from explosives experts now providing a clear picture of how the explosion of the grenade occurred that cost 19-year-old Raphael his life. According to data from Rhodes Security, which was brought to light by **Cretalive** and journalist Evangelia Kareklaki, **the grenade explosion occurred in the right hand of the 39-year-old sergeant**, confirming estimates that had been expressed by the victim’s family. The analysis of fragment dispersion shows that he received fatal wounds throughout his entire body.
Death of 19-year-old from grenade explosion: The official report from Rhodes Security explosives experts
Specifically, according to **cretalive.gr**, the **official report from explosives experts** at Rhodes Security states that “*from the analysis of findings and concentration of fragments, it is estimated that the two explosives experts were standing in front of the jeep where they were conducting inspection – preparation of the grenades so they could be collected by trainees and thrown as part of military training. They removed the protective tape from the grenade carriers and placed them on the vehicle’s hood. At this point, probably after some erroneous action by the above, the explosion was triggered. The point where the explosion occurred was at the front left side of the jeep and probably at a height of 1.50-1.60 meters from the ground and 40-50 centimeters from the vehicle’s bumper. **The grenade exploded in the sergeant’s right hand, causing his amputation and at a very close distance from Galyfianakis, where the fragment dispersion struck him throughout his entire body, fatally wounding him***”.
Rhodes tragedy: “The late Raphael never handled the disputed grenade,” says the 19-year-old’s family lawyer
Meanwhile, the victim’s family lawyer, Giorgos Kokosalis, emphasized to the local media: “*Indeed, exactly what our technical advisor Giannis Tsiambas had concluded from the first moment, the same was determined by the expert witnesses appointed to the preliminary investigation, namely that **the late Raphael never handled the disputed grenade and simply found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time***”. He added: “*He simply had the misfortune – within the framework of his duties and while occupied with other preparatory work for the training process – to be within the cone of dispersion of fragments from the grenade that his superior was holding, with the fatal consequence of his mortal wounding. Our investigation continues in all directions, particularly regarding whether military regulations were followed in this case, whether the required protective measures were taken, whether the training throw of this specific outdated grenade – which was in the process of mandatory withdrawal from all NATO-type camps – should have been conducted at all, etc. You can be sure that Raphael’s memory will be vindicated and at the same time we will try to place another – even small – stone toward the direction of safe conduct of military training on one hand and safe occupational employment on the other, so that no other mothers will mourn their children*”.
