Rhodes: Explosion at firing range – 19-year-old killed, 37-year-old amputated

An explosion occurred at a firing range in Rhodes on Wednesday morning (26/11), resulting in one person losing his life and another being seriously injured.

Specifically, according to information from “Rodiaki,” the explosion killed a 19-year-old who was serving in a National Guard battalion in Rhodes, while a second serviceman — a 37-year-old staff sergeant and explosives technician serving in the same unit — was amputated.

Doctors at the Rhodes hospital are currently fighting to keep the 37-year-old alive. According to initial reports from his colleagues, cited by “Rodiaki,” he has lost part of his right arm and has shrapnel injuries across his body and head.

He is conscious and is expected to undergo surgery in order to stabilize his condition.

The tragic incident occurred shortly after 10 a.m. at the firing range of the 6th National Guard Battalion (6ο ΕΤΕΘ) in the Afantou area of Rhodes. The two men, explosives technicians serving in a unit of central Rhodes, had been ordered to go to the range to inspect the weapons that would later be used by officers and soldiers of the unit.

Among the equipment were defensive hand grenades, one of which became unpinned during transport and exploded.

The 19-year-old was killed instantly, and the second explosives technician was seriously injured.

The Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA) was immediately informed of the incident, and an investigation has been launched.