Panic and terror gripped Agia Irini Square on Saturday afternoon when a tree suddenly fell. Two people were injured by the sudden mass of the trunk that fell threateningly upon them, while property damage was also caused. The incident caused unrest among citizens and intense concern about safety issues on Athens’ streets, with the Municipality of Athens and the Green Spaces Department trying to reassure with statements they issued. According to the Green Spaces Department, all trees had been inspected by agronomists, and the fall is attributed to the strong winds that were blowing in the city.
Municipality of Athens: The tree had been inspected 20 days ago
The tree that fell on Agia Irini Square was approximately 40 years old, had been inspected 20 days earlier and was in excellent phytosanitary condition. According to the Director of Green Spaces, vandalism to a branch by an unknown person had occurred a few days before the inspection. The fall, as emphasized, was the result of strong winds and not negligence in maintenance.
Recorded tree falls and consequences
The incident at Agia Irini Square was not isolated. The Green Spaces Department recorded falls of branches and trees at various points in the city, including:
-Fall of a 30-year-old mulberry tree on Knosou Street.
-Fall of a 30-year-old maple tree on Theotokopoulos Street.
Both trees were in very good phytosanitary condition before their fall. The falls caused property damage, with one car sustaining serious damage.
Two injured from tree fall in Athens
According to police, the woman injured at Agia Irini was transported by ambulance to NIMTS hospital with a head injury, while a man suffered back abrasions and received first aid on site. Eyewitnesses described the panic that ensued: “As I was taking an order I heard a sound and the tree fell on the umbrella. A few minutes later, another trunk fell at the neighboring shop and hit two people,” reported one employee.
Additionally, as he emphasized, “the same tree had caused a similar incident three weeks ago, without injuries, but then the Municipality didn’t give it particular attention.”
Athens Municipality response and safety measures
The Municipality of Athens confirmed the fall of three trees at Agia Irini Square and on Theotokopoulos and Knosou streets, attributing the incidents to strong winds. Teams from the Green Spaces Service, Sanitation Department and Municipal Police units are in full mobilization for the removal of fallen trees and the safety of public spaces.
The Municipality warns citizens to avoid parking under large trees or dangerous structures and to follow Civil Protection guidelines. For emergencies, citizens can contact the telephone center at 1595.
The Green Spaces Department assures that trees are regularly inspected and their phytosanitary condition is continuously monitored. However, the force of winds proves that even well-maintained trees can become dangerous, posing serious risk to citizens and property.
