Three soldiers died and one was seriously wounded when a mortar-tube exploded during an army firing range. Two professional soldiers 33 and 34 years old were killed instantly along with a 19-year-old who was doing his military service. A lieutenant, 30, suffered stomach injuries and was transferred to the hospital where doctors said his injuries were serious but not life-threatening.
The incident occurred Tuesday noon near the city of Volos, about 330 km north of Athens, when an 81 millimeter mortar shell exploded in the barrel.
Investigation is underway to determine what caused the mortar tube to explode.
Killed on duty: Tasos Mesalas, 34, Giwrgos Orfanidis, 33, Fotis Andrikopoulos 19.
According to Greek media and experts, the cause of the fatal incident was more likely an issue of the ammunition rather than of “human error.” The mortar was allegedly stuck in the tube and it exploded, some media reported. Greek General Staff did not comment on this version of the tragedy and referred to the ongoing investigation and expected findings.
A website dealing with military issues claimed that the ammunition was made in October 1984 but the expiration date was not due. “The ammunition was checked by de-miners who approved their use,” a source from the General Staff told Onalert.gr.
However retired military personnel and de-miners believed that maybe the gunpowder was “weakened” after all these years and did not have the power to push the mortar. They also blame possible “not appropriate maintenance”.
The lieutenant who was injured was apparently some 80 meters away.
Especially tragic is the fact that the 19-year-old soldier was to conclude his military service in a couple of days.
Defense ministry declared three days of mourning for the armed forces.
