A 54-year-old logger is in critical condition after being crushed by a falling tree trunk in a forest near Chrysovitsa, Metsovo, in northwestern Greece on Thursday afternoon (August 21).

The man, who works in the firewood trade using traditional methods with mules to transport logs through rough terrain, was cutting down a beech tree when the accident occurred under still unclear circumstances.

He suffered severe injuries to his spine and chest and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of the University Hospital of Ioannina.

Difficult rescue operation

Local officials said the injured man managed to call the emergency number 112, despite being badly hurt and trapped in an area without mobile coverage. This triggered a coordinated rescue effort involving the Fire Department, which dispatched three vehicles, seven firefighters, and a specialized rescue unit (EMAK).

The operation was supported by the president of the local community, who helped lead rescuers into the forest. An ambulance later transported the logger to the hospital for emergency treatment.