As tragedy struck a military firing range in Rhodes, a 19-year-old soldier lost his life and a 39-year-old sergeant was critically injured in an explosion reportedly involving a defensive hand grenade.
The young soldier, originally from Heraklion, Crete, died instantly in the incident. His father, a local Coast Guard commander, was reportedly planning to travel to Rhodes to see his son. The circumstances of the trip—whether a routine visit or a transfer—remain unclear.
The 39-year-old sergeant, a married father of two who served as an explosives expert, sustained severe injuries, including amputation at the right elbow and shrapnel wounds throughout his body and head. He is currently under intensive care at Rhodes Hospital and is expected to undergo emergency surgery.
Preliminary technical indications suggest that the explosion occurred during the handling of the defensive grenade. Investigators are examining key factors such as the handling procedures, material condition, environmental conditions, and personnel positioning at the range. Safety protocols, protective equipment, and supervision by experienced explosives officers will also be scrutinized.
President Konstantinos Tasoulas expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased soldier and wished a speedy recovery to the critically injured sergeant. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety measures and supervision at military training sites.
At the same time Defense Minister Nikos Dendias wrote on X about the accident: “I express my deepest sorrow for the loss of life of the EPOP Soldier, during a scheduled shooting training activity in Rhodes. Our thoughts are with his family and his colleagues, to whom I extend my most sincere condolences. Wishes for a speedy recovery to the EPOP Sergeant, who was injured during the same training activity.
Authorities continue to investigate whether human error, material failure, or a combination of factors caused the explosion.
