Thirteen injured in suspected migrant smuggling crash in northern Greece

A 52-year-old man was arrested after allegedly driving under the influence and crashing his car through the main entrance of a military base in Argos Orestiko, northern Greece, on Saturday, according to local authorities. The incident occurred without any casualties, though military personnel on duty at the entrance narrowly avoided being struck. State broadcaster ERT reported that the driver failed to slow down before smashing through the security barrier, flattening it as the vehicle forced its way into the military facility. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The crash took place on Saturday, marking another incident involving alcohol-related driving in northern Greece. The driver, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was detained by police following the collision. The military base, located in Argos Orestiko, is a key installation in the region, known for its strategic importance. The damage caused to the security barrier suggests the force of impact was considerable, though no one was hurt during the incident. Military officials confirmed that the area was secured and that no further action was required beyond the initial response. In separate developments, thirteen individuals, including migrants believed to be part of a smuggling operation, were injured in a collision on the Egnatia Odos motorway in northeastern Greece on Tuesday. The van, driven by a Greek national suspected of involvement in human trafficking, collided with a car near the Mesti interchange, between Komotini and Alexandroupoli. The crash resulted in the vehicle veering off the road, causing temporary closure of the motorway toward Komotini. All 13 occupants were transported by ambulance to Komotini General Hospital. According to ERT, two of the victims, a man and a woman, suffered serious injuries, while the rest had minor wounds or were treated as a precaution. Traffic was redirected until the site was fully cleared. Another tragic incident occurred in Thessaloniki, where a 71-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a tourist coach while crossing the road. The accident happened around noon on Konstantinou Karamanlis Avenue, near Perdika Street, outside a designated pedestrian crossing. Police stated that the woman was crossing the street when she was hit by the coach, which was being driven by a 61-year-old man. He was subsequently arrested following the incident. The woman was rushed to Ippokratio Hospital with multiple injuries, where she later succumbed to her wounds. The circumstances of the collision are still under investigation, with police examining whether the driver violated any traffic regulations. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges related to road safety in Greece, particularly concerning drunk driving and reckless behavior behind the wheel. While the military base crash did not result in any fatalities, it underscores the potential dangers posed by impaired drivers even in controlled environments. In contrast, the Thessaloniki tragedy illustrates the severe consequences that can arise from such negligence. Meanwhile, the motorway crash raises concerns about the risks associated with illegal transportation activities, especially when they involve vulnerable groups such as undocumented migrants. Local authorities have emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of driving under the influence. In the case of the military base incident, the focus will likely shift toward assessing the extent of the damage and determining whether additional measures are needed to prevent similar occurrences. For the other two cases, investigations are ongoing, with police working to determine the exact causes and responsibilities involved. These efforts aim to ensure accountability and improve road safety across the country.