A 16-year-old girl tragically died early on Sunday morning outside a nightclub in the Gazi district of Athens, sparking an ongoing police investigation. According to the forensic autopsy, the cause of death was a pulmonary embolism. Toxicology and histology tests are still pending to determine the factors that may have triggered the embolism.
Emergency Response and Hospital Care
The girl collapsed just outside the club after reportedly feeling unwell inside. Emergency responders from EKAB arrived within seven minutes and began resuscitation efforts, but she was pronounced dead upon arrival at Evangelismos Hospital, according to Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis.
Georgiadis confirmed that hospital staff followed all resuscitation protocols, including intubation and administration of emergency medications, but the girl had already lost vital signs before reaching the hospital.
Dispute Over Police Notification
Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding when authorities were informed. The police stated that they were notified only when the girl’s father reported her death at the Omonia police station. In contrast, Georgiadis and the hospital administration insist that the hospital contacted the police promptly once the girl arrived, in line with standard protocol for suspected out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Investigation Into Contributing Factors
Authorities are examining whether the girl had access to alcohol despite being underage, whether the drinks were tampered with, and if the club operated legally. Security camera footage and sampled bottles of alcohol have been collected.
The autopsy indicated the pulmonary embolism may have resulted from multiple factors, including pre-existing medical conditions, alcohol consumption, substance use, or a combination of alcohol and other substances. Toxicology and histology results are awaited to clarify the cause.
Context and Ongoing Inquiry
Initial witness statements suggest that the girl and friends consumed several vodka drinks at the club. Police are continuing to gather testimonies, review surveillance footage, and investigate the club’s compliance with legal regulations.
EKAB also transported three adults from the same location with signs of intoxication to Evangelismos Hospital that night. Investigators hope the ongoing tests and inquiries will provide a full picture of the circumstances that led to this tragic death.
