Authorities in Athens are calling for the closure of a nightclub in Gazi following the death of a 16-year-old girl who collapsed outside the venue early last Sunday. According to reports, the club had a history of violations, including serving alcohol to minors and previous incidents requiring ambulance intervention.
Multiple Ambulance Calls Linked to the Same Venue
Greek media revealed that the National Emergency Centre (EKAV) had received several calls for underage individuals needing medical assistance after drinking at the same nightclub. In fact, the night before the 16-year-old’s collapse, three more people were transported from the same address for alcohol-related emergencies.
Witnesses said the girl had consumed alcohol, which may have contributed to the pulmonary embolism listed as the cause of death by the coroner. However, the toxicology and histology results, expected in the coming days, will provide further clarity.
A Troubled History with Police
The club is also known to police for past violent incidents. In March 2023, an off-duty police officer was beaten by security staff after a dispute inside the venue. The officer and his friends were reportedly attacked when they attempted to order another bottle, prompting the intervention of the club’s bouncers.
Investigators noted the venue lacks surveillance cameras, a fact they believe may be intentional to avoid documentation of such incidents.
Police Recommend Sealing the Club
Authorities have already sent an official request to the Athens municipality to seal the establishment. Preliminary findings and witness statements suggest the nightclub sold alcohol to minors, while investigators have asked EKAV to confirm how many people from the area required hospital transport that night.
On the same evening, another 20-year-old woman in the area reported losing consciousness after just one drink, saying, “I only had one vodka with an energy drink, and suddenly I passed out.”
“Her Last Words Were ‘I Love You’”
According to the 16-year-old’s father, the teen had been out with friends after first drinking vodka in a park. The group then went to the Gazi nightclub, where she reportedly had one more drink before feeling unwell and collapsing outside an apartment building.
“The last thing she said to us was ‘I love you,’” her friends told reporters. Witnesses said she appeared sad moments before fainting, hitting her head on a glass door as she fell.
Dispute Over Emergency Response
Meanwhile, a dispute between police and medical authorities has emerged over the handling of the emergency call. Police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidu said the local station never received a call about the incident, while EKAV representatives suggested the hospital may have contacted the local precinct directly, as is sometimes standard procedure.
