A tragic accident unfolded on Sunday in western Greece when a 4-year-old boy from Germany lost his life after falling into a ravine in the Neda Gorge area, located between the Ilia and Messinia regions in western Peloponnese.
Despite an extensive rescue operation and the tireless efforts of emergency responders and medical personnel, the child succumbed to his injuries at the Kalamata General Hospital.
The boy had been hiking with his parents as part of a tourist group when he and his father reportedly slipped and fell into a steep ravine, becoming trapped in a particularly inaccessible area.
Firefighters from the Hellenic Fire Service’s special disaster response unit (EMAK) managed to locate and retrieve the child from the rugged terrain. He was then transported by EKAV ambulance to a landing zone, where a military helicopter airlifted him to Kalamata Airport. From there, another ambulance rushed him to the hospital. However, the child had already lost consciousness, and doctors’ repeated efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
The father sustained minor injuries in the fall and is in stable condition. Initial reports indicate that it was the family themselves who called the European emergency number 112 to request help.
The Neda Gorge, known for its spectacular natural scenery, is a popular hiking destination for nature lovers but is also recognized for its hazardous paths and remote areas.