Fireman dies in air base blaze
A 28-year-old fireman suffered a fatal heart attack on Wednesday while battling a large blaze that broke out in Aspropyrgos, western Athens, and spread to a military air base at Elefsina.
The firefighter fainted, apparently after inhaling toxic fumes, and subsequently suffered a heart attack, Kathimerini understands. Another three firemen were transferred to the nearest hospital with burns.
Dozens of firefighters were dispatched to fight the blaze with at least 40 fire engines operating in the late evening. Water-dropping aircraft contributed to the effort, which was hampered by high winds that fanned the flames.
Two military helicopters were removed from the compound as a preventive measure and the roads in the area were cordoned off.
The fire service, which was also tasked with fighting blazes in Salamina, Corinth and Nafplio, did not determine the cause of the Elefsina blaze.
