Greek fire victims sue authorities over deaths in Mati

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The relatives of a woman and a man killed in a wildfire near Athens last week have sued state authorities, the fire brigade and police over their deaths.

The authorities could be liable for criminal charges such as involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, exposure that led to death and arson in what they call a “biblical catastrophe,” according to the text of the lawsuit.

“I believe that those who are responsible for protecting people, for putting out the fire and taking any precaution measures to prevent it, will be convicted,” the relatives’ lawyer, Antonis Foussas said.

People gather in Syntagma Square to join the vigil service for the victims of the Attica wildfire, July 30. /VCG Photo

A prosecutor is investigating the cause of the wildfire and the role of authorities in responding to the blaze that killed at least 91 people in the seaside town of Mati and nearby areas.

Both victims died trying to escape the flames, according to the lawsuit. Their bodies were found about 400 meters from their homes.

“We are in the sad and tragic position of mourning the unfair loss of our beloved ones,” the relatives said in the lawsuit.

Teacher Vassilis Katsargyris, 70, was trapped in the garage as his wife and family friends from the United States struggled to reach the nearest beach. His wife returned to try to rescue him and his 73-year-old neighbor Maria Pagomenou, but failed.

Destruction caused by forest fires in the town of Mati near Athens, Greece. /VCG Photo

Two days before the disaster they were celebrating his daughter’s wedding, the lawsuit said.

Neither before nor during the blaze did authorities tell them how to act or how to escape to a secure place, the relatives said.

The wildfire left the area dotted with burnt-out trees, ashen earth and destroyed homes.

Greek ministers have said there are indications that the cause of the fire was arson.

We suspect arson, Greek minister says of wildfire

(Cover Photo: People gather outside the Hellenic Parliament to remember the 91 victims of the deadly wildfires in Eastern Attica, Greece, July 30, 2018. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): Reuters