Firefighter dies during rescue operation on Rhodes

A firefighter died while conducting a rescue operation near the Sianna region on the island of Rhodes on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The responder was attempting to assist hikers who had requested help in a rugged area. While approaching the individuals, he reportedly slipped and fell from a significant height, resulting in his fatal injury. Initial reports from Sigma Live News and ERT indicated the victim was part of a team working to reach people trapped in a rocky area, with varying accounts identifying the location as either the Sianna region or the Sideritis gorge on Mount Attavyros.

The firefighter was first located by a patrolling drone, prompting an immediate mobilization of emergency services to reach the scene and recover him from the difficult terrain. While authorities continue to manage the aftermath of this incident, the rescue of the hikers remained the primary focus following the tragedy. No further details regarding the identity of the firefighter or the subsequent status of the hikers have been officially released as the investigation into the circumstances of the fall proceeds.