A 76-year-old man has been arrested by Greece’s Fire Service for starting a fire at the Sismanoglou General Hospital in Athens in the early hours of Thursday, July 9, 2026. The blaze broke out at 4:53 a.m. in a patient room on the first floor.
Quick Response Prevented Casualties
According to Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, the fire ignited inside a hospital room. Nursing staff detected it immediately and swiftly evacuated all patients. ‘At around 5 a.m., a bed in one of the rooms caught fire,’ Georgiadis said. ‘The on-duty nurse noticed it right away—the bed was already ablaze. There was no oxygen supply or other flammable equipment present in that room.’
Investigation Leads to Arrest
Specialized units from the Fire Service’s Arson Investigation Directorate responded immediately to the scene. After a methodical investigation—including evidence collection and analysis—authorities, with support from the Hellenic Police (EL.AS), brought in the 76-year-old suspect. He had been hospitalized in the same ward where the fire originated.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect confessed to deliberately setting the fire and expressed remorse for his actions.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The relevant judicial authorities have been informed. Investigations by the Arson Investigation Directorate continue as officials work to establish full details surrounding the incident.