×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Sunday
18
Jan 2026
weather symbol
Athens 6°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> Greece

Xylokastro: The tragic story of two fire victims – They went to save a friend in danger

One was a father of three, and the other was expecting his third child in a few months – Firefighters battle scattered flames

Newsroom September 30 11:40

Tragic details have emerged regarding the two men, aged 35 and 40, who lost their lives when they were surrounded by a fire near the village of Elliniko in Xylokastro.

This occurred on Sunday night as they attempted to reach the barn of a friend in danger.

According to the deputy governor of Corinth, Anastasios Giolis, one of the men was a father of three, while the other was expecting his third child soon.

“They were exceptional individuals who, out of love for their fellow villagers, rushed to help,” added Mr. Giolis, who hails from the same village as the two unfortunate men.

As shown in footage aired by SKAI, the two men tried to approach the area of their friend’s barn near Elliniko village on their motorbikes. However, it seems the fire encircled them, leading to their tragic deaths. Their charred bodies were discovered early this morning by OPKE police officers.

Earlier, Mr. Giolis explained that the two men were “not registered volunteers; they were villagers who did not heed the 112 emergency alerts and went to assist.”

According to reports, the 35- and 40-year-old men took their motorbikes on Sunday night and headed to help their friend in the Ano Pitsa area of Corinth. Despite encountering firefighters who urged them to turn back due to the ongoing blaze, the men continued on their path, leading to this tragic outcome.

Scattered Active Fires

The latest update from the fire department indicates there is no single fire front, but firefighters are tackling numerous active hotspots.

>Related articles

President of Air Traffic Controllers: Another communications blackout possible in the near future

X is down, thousands report problems

Less alcohol and lower speeds with the new Highway Code and strict fines

Since the morning, 350 firefighters, 14 forest commando teams, and 110 vehicles, along with volunteers and Civil Protection groups, have been operating in the broader area. Additional support includes water tankers and construction equipment from the Peloponnese Region, the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, forest services, and the Greek police.

Meanwhile, 18 aircraft – 7 planes and 11 helicopters, two of which are used for coordination – are conducting aerial water drops.

Reports indicate damage in the area of Elliniko, Xylokastro, but a complete assessment will be made after the fire is fully extinguished.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#fire#greece#xylokastro
> More Greece

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Mitsotakis: Greece will not be challenged by anyone with the Belharra frigates – Our goal is to support farmers with transparent subsidies

January 18, 2026

Akylas receives rave reviews for his Eurovision 2026 Greek final entry: “We might actually win with this little gem,” Fans write

January 18, 2026

What Trump is seeking with the extra tariffs on eight European countries for Greenland, the trade deal with the EU is in the air

January 18, 2026

The global era of Messinia: How the film Odyssey and the lists of major media praise it for 2026

January 18, 2026

Greek exports broke records with a record 37 billion euros

January 18, 2026

Sakkari delivers the ‘point of the year’ as she advances at the Australian Open

January 18, 2026

New legal migration rules for 90,000 pending residence permits

January 18, 2026

Weather: Why the new cold wave brings little snow until Tuesday – Stronger weather deterioration expected from Wednesday

January 18, 2026
All News

> Greece

Akylas receives rave reviews for his Eurovision 2026 Greek final entry: “We might actually win with this little gem,” Fans write

Akylas has been met with enthusiastic praise following the presentation of his song “Ferto,” with which he is competing for a place in the Greek national final of Eurovision 2026.

January 18, 2026

The global era of Messinia: How the film Odyssey and the lists of major media praise it for 2026

January 18, 2026

Weather: Why the new cold wave brings little snow until Tuesday – Stronger weather deterioration expected from Wednesday

January 18, 2026

Weather: A return to winter in the coming days – Cold and strong northerly winds – Kolydas’ post

January 17, 2026

A view of Nikolaos Stasinopoulos of Viohalco – The “enduring imprint” of Greece’s greatest industrialist

January 17, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα