Hellenic Air Force officer, 33, dies in motorcycle crash with garbage truck in Chania
A 33-year-old Hellenic Air Force pilot officer died early Monday when his motorcycle collided with a garbage truck on a bend in the Pithari area of Chania, Crete.
The accident
A 33-year-old Anthyposminagos (Pilot Officer) serving at the 115 Combat Wing lost his life in a traffic accident at 06:45 on Monday, 6 July 2026. The officer, identified by the initials I. M., was riding a motorcycle that collided with a garbage truck on a road bend in the Pithari area of Chania. The exact circumstances remain unclear.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and transported the officer to the General Hospital of Chania. Despite the efforts of paramedics, his injuries were too severe and he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Official response
The Hellenic Air Force General Staff issued a statement confirming the death and expressing condolences.
On Monday 6 July 2026 at 06:45, Anthyposminagos (MT) I. M., 33 years old, serving at the 115 Combat Wing, was involved in a traffic accident. He was taken to the General Hospital of Chania where his death was confirmed. The Hellenic Air Force General Staff expresses its sorrow for the loss of the colleague and condolences to his family and loved ones.
The statement was released by Antisminarchos (I) Konstantinos Gravalos, Press Representative of the General Staff.
Investigation underway
The Chania Traffic Police Department has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. No further details about the garbage truck driver or the sequence of events have been released. The 115 Combat Wing, based at Souda Air Base, is one of the Hellenic Air Force's key fighter units.
