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Karitsa tragedy: 15-year-old dies following ambulance delay
A 15-year-old boy died in Karitsa, Larissa, after a sudden collapse, sparking controversy over ambulance response times in the region. The incident occurred on the evening of September 20, 2026. According to reports, the teenager lost consciousness and was found by family members in a critical state.
The 5th Health Region of Thessaly issued a statement explaining that while local Health Centers in Agia and Gonnoi have 24-hour ambulance coverage, both available units were engaged in transporting other patients at the time of the 21:05 emergency call. Consequently, an EKAB Mobile Unit was dispatched from Larissa, arriving in Karitsa at 21:50.
Rescuers found the boy without a pulse and not breathing. Despite medical efforts, he could not be revived and was later pronounced dead at the University General Hospital of Larissa. The tragedy has raised serious concerns regarding the availability of emergency medical services in coastal areas, with reports suggesting that several ambulances in the Larissa area are currently out of service due to mechanical failures. A forensic autopsy and laboratory tests are expected to determine the exact cause of death.
Entities
5th Health Region of Thessaly and Central Greece · Agia · EKAB · Gonnoi · Karitsa · Larissa · University General Hospital of Larissa
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Several ambulances in Larissa are currently out of service due to mechanical issues. www.thenewspaper.gr · e-thessalia.gr · www.alfavita.gr · tvxs.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The exact cause of death will be determined by a forensic autopsy and laboratory tests. patrapress.gr · www.thestival.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The EKAB Operations Center received the emergency call at 21:05 on September 20, 2026. patrapress.gr · www.healthweb.gr · www.newsbomb.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Health Centers of Agia and Gonnoi provide 24-hour ambulance coverage. patrapress.gr · www.healthweb.gr · www.newsbomb.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] Ambulances from Agia and Gonnoi were unavailable because they were transporting other patients at the time of the call. patrapress.gr · www.healthweb.gr · www.newsbomb.gr · www.trikalanews.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 15-year-old had no known prior medical history. patrapress.gr · www.thestival.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] An EKAB Mobile Unit from Larissa arrived at the scene in Karitsa at 21:50. www.healthweb.gr · www.newsbomb.gr · www.trikalanews.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Upon arrival, rescuers found the 15-year-old had no pulse and was not breathing. www.healthweb.gr · www.newsbomb.gr