Explosions at an ammunition depot in Nea Anchialos: an administrative investigation revealed negligence

The Minister of Defense of Greece has received the results of an administrative investigation (EDE) into the explosions that occurred on July 27 as a result of an uncontrolled forest fire at an ammunition depot at the Greek Air Force base near the city of Volos.

On Friday, the head of the armed forces presented a report to the minister. According to unofficial information, the report’s findings refer to “careless clearing on the sloping and hard-to-reach northern part of the camp, where a fire started and subsequently spread to an area containing open and closed warehouses.” In addition, the report emphasizes that “the firebreak around the depot was very narrow and insufficient to prevent intense heat load.”

The commission of inquiry has taken note of the “omissions and negligence of the Hellenic Air Force personnel” and they will be held accountable for their actions, as stated in the conclusion of the report. In connection with the incident, the commander of the combat wing removed from office.

The 111th Combat Wing at Nea Anchialos is considered one of the most valuable facilities of the Greek Air Force, where almost half of the F-16 fighters available in the country are based, as well asOmost of the ammunition for them.

As previously reported, an Administrative Investigation (EDE) confirmed that explosions at an ammunition depot at a Hellenic Air Force base last Friday in central Greece were caused by general purpose air-to-ground bombs (classic cast iron bombs) stored in ground facilities. , which were subjected to the heat load of a fire raging in the vicinity. The conclusion is supplemented by autopsy data from Greek Air Force pyrotechnical experts, Heron drone visuals, and testimony from officers called on the matter.

Η στιγμή της έκρηξης στην Νέα Αγχίαλο. 😮😮#βολος #φωτιες pic.twitter.com/9riqbYVlLc

— Nik_Mp 😎 (@4r7qjp1C2S4EQZV) July 27, 2023

According to early testimony, the storage was carried out in a “planned” manner, whatever that means for the actual security of the objects. In fact, the bombs turned out to be open, and their coverage was insufficient to protect against the increasing heat load.

However, violations of the rules for storing obsolete ammunition were identified, but not to such an extent as to lead to explosions, therefore, apparently, the former inspectors will also be punished.

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