Greece: Elderly woman in critical condition after fireplace accident

An 83-year-old woman is in critical condition in the intensive care unit of the University General Hospital of Patras after a fire broke out in her home in Demesticha, Erymanthos.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning when the woman reportedly attempted to light her fireplace. According to preliminary information, she may have mistaken gasoline for alcohol, leading to a sudden and severe flash fire.

Her husband was also injured while attempting to assist her and contain the flames. He is receiving treatment for burns that are reported to be less extensive than those suffered by his wife.

Firefighters arrived at the scene to find the fire had already been extinguished. The Fire Service is conducting a preliminary investigation to determine the exact circumstances and confirm the cause of the ignition.