A 52-year-old power grid technician was killed in Athens after an explosion and electrocution during maintenance work at an outdoor electricity substation.

The fatal incident occurred in the district of Kato Patisia, where the technician, a permanent employee of Greece’s electricity distribution network operator and father of three, was carrying out maintenance operations.

According to initial reports, a powerful explosion occurred under circumstances that are still under investigation. The worker was reportedly struck by medium-voltage electricity and died instantly from electrocution.

Emergency medical crews arrived at the scene and transferred his body to hospital.

Second workplace incident reported near Piraeus

Almost simultaneously, another workplace accident was reported in the ship repair zone of Drapetsona, near the port of Piraeus.

A metalworker employed by a private contractor suffered a head injury while working aboard a vessel undergoing repairs at the shipyard area.

An ambulance already operating nearby transported the injured worker to hospital for medical treatment.

Unions raise concerns over workplace safety

The two incidents triggered strong reactions from labor unions and worker representatives, who say workplace safety conditions remain inadequate.

Representatives from metalworkers’ and shipyard unions visited the site of the accident in Drapetsona, calling for a full investigation into the causes of the incident.

Union officials described workplaces as “death traps” and pointed to what they say is a lack of effective safety measures across high-risk industries.

The reactions come only days after workers had staged protests at the Ministry of Shipping, warning about insufficient protection measures and growing risks in industrial and shipyard workplaces.