The body of a 19-year-old soldier who died in a grenade accident during a training exercise in Rhodes returned to Crete on Thursday aboard a C-130 transport aircraft, according to Greek military authorities. His funeral is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m.
The soldier, identified as Rafaíl, was killed on Wednesday when a defensive-type grenade exploded during a routine pre-distribution inspection at a military firing range. A 39-year-old sergeant who was with him at the time was seriously injured. His testimony, once he is discharged from the hospital, is expected to play a key role in clarifying the circumstances of the explosion.
Family Seeks Answers
Speaking to local media before traveling to Rhodes to accompany his son’s body home, the soldier’s father expressed deep grief and said he hopes to learn what exactly happened. He also wished for the full recovery of the injured sergeant.
In a poignant online post, the father shared the funeral announcement and wrote a message mourning the moments he will never experience with his son, thanking him for the joy he brought and lamenting the pain of his loss.
Three Days of Mourning
Greece’s Minister of National Defense declared three days of mourning across the Armed Forces, lasting from Thursday, November 26, through Friday, November 28. The decision honors the fallen soldier, who had recently completed specialized training as an ordnance technician and had been stationed in Rhodes for just one week.
Early Findings on the Accident
Initial information reported by public broadcaster ERT indicates that the explosion occurred during a preventive check routinely performed by trained technicians to ensure munitions function safely before they are distributed to personnel. Both the soldier and the sergeant were conducting this inspection when the grenade detonated.
While a full technical assessment is still underway, early indications point to a malfunction or mishandling during the procedure. Investigators will examine several factors, including material condition, sequence of actions, environmental conditions and the exact positioning of personnel at the time of the explosion. Safety protocols such as required distances, protective equipment and supervisory procedures will also be scrutinized to determine whether any procedural failures occurred.
