Two people were injured on Saturday afternoon, September 20th, in central Athens, specifically at Agia Eirini square, due to a falling tree. According to information, a woman sitting with her children at a local café was injured and transported by ambulance to NIMTS hospital with a head injury, as well as a passerby who did not require hospitalization. It should be noted that two other trees fell on Theotokopoulos and Knossos streets, causing material damage to a car.
Agia Eirini square: “Another incident happened with the same tree about 3 weeks ago”
As Ilias, an employee at a restaurant in Agia Eirini square, told SKAI, “While I was taking orders, I heard a sound and a trunk fell on the restaurant’s umbrella, which was destroyed. After 5 minutes, we heard another sound and an even larger trunk fell at the neighboring store, and this time it hit two people, a passerby and a woman sitting with her children.”
However, as he reports, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred. “Another incident happened with the same tree about 3 weeks ago, we had informed the Municipality, but apparently because no one was hurt, they didn’t pay attention,” Ilias said characteristically.
Athens Municipality response
The Athens Municipality issued an announcement regarding the fall of three trees, which injured two citizens and caused damage to a vehicle. As stated, the falls were due to strong winds and crews are already working to remove the fallen trees.
Detailed announcement from Athens Municipality
“Athens Municipality informs that, due to category 3 weather phenomena affecting the city, with strong winds and high-speed gusts, three trees fell in Agia Eirini square and on Theotokopoulos and Knossos streets. From the incident at Agia Eirini square, two citizen injuries were recorded, while on Theotokopoulos street a vehicle sustained damage.
Green Service crews, Cleaning services and Municipal Police units are already in full mobilization for the removal of fallen trees and the safety of public spaces.
Athens Municipality calls on citizens:
– not to park vehicles under large trees or dangerous structures,
– to follow Civil Protection guidelines.
For emergencies they can contact the telephone center 1595″.
And concludes: “The municipality continuously monitors the development of weather phenomena and will inform the public about any new developments“.
“The tree had been inspected, it was healthy, it fell due to strong winds”
For his part, the relevant deputy mayor stated that “the tree had been inspected, it was healthy, it fell due to strong winds”.
