Greek prosecutors have charged 20 people, including a regional governor and two local mayors, over a wildfire that killed 100 people in the seaside town of Mati and nearby areas last July, a source says.
The aftermath of the blaze in July 2018 in the village of Mati, near Athens. Photo: 123RF
Most of the victims couldn't escape from a maze of poorly planned streets in Greece's worst wildfire disaster.
Authorities were accused of a slow response and lack of coordination in rescue operations.
The charges include involuntary manslaughter and causing bodily harm due to neglect, a judicial source said.
Prosecutors have drafted a 292-page report that details "a series of mistakes" in handling the disaster.
The wildfire killed 100 people in the seaside Greek town of Mati and nearby areas in July 2018. Photo: 123RF
The accused include Rena Dourou, the governor of Attica region, which includes Mati; Elias Psinakis, mayor of Marathon; and Evangelos Bournous, mayor of Rafina and Pikermi, all towns in the region.
The accused have denied any wrongdoing.
Greece's judicial system has several preparatory stages and the compilation of charges does not necessarily mean that the individual will face trial.
A view showing the extent of the fire. Photo: AFP
An investigating magistrate is now expected to take over and look into the case.
The government attributed the fire to arson and dismissed accusations that it failed to evacuate people in time, saying that unlicensed building had thrived under previous governments.
Mati, a heavily wooded area on the coast east of Athens overlooking the sea, was popular with pensioners and children at summer camps.
Other prosecutors are also investigating separate cases linked to the Mati fire, following citizen lawsuits.
- Reuters