Scaffolding collapses on delivery driver in Piraeus during storm; tram line damaged

What happened

On Friday, 24 July 2026, a powerful storm system moved across the Attica region of Greece, unleashing torrential rain and gusty winds. In the port city of Piraeus, the severe weather caused a scaffolding structure attached to an apartment building on Grigoriou Lambraki street to collapse. The scaffolding fell directly onto the roadway, striking a delivery driver who was passing by on a motorcycle. The man was pinned under the debris and began shouting for help, alerting nearby residents and passersby. Emergency services responded promptly, and within minutes, the driver was freed from the wreckage. He was then transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment. The collapse also brought down part of the overhead catenary system that powers tram line 7, causing significant damage to the electrical infrastructure.

Injuries and rescue

Accounts of the driver's injuries varied among local media. Η Ναυτεμπορική reported that, according to witness testimonies, the man escaped serious harm by a "miracle" and suffered no major injuries. Το Βήμα Online described the incident as resulting in a light injury to the motorcyclist. NEWS 24/7 initially stated that there were no reports of injuries at all. Despite the discrepancies, all sources agreed that the driver's condition was not life-threatening. He was taken to a local medical facility for evaluation and observation. No other casualties were reported from the scaffolding collapse.

Traffic and tram disruption

The incident caused immediate traffic chaos in the area. Police closed Grigoriou Lambraki street in both directions from the junction with Omiridou Skylitsi street, diverting vehicles away from the scene. Additionally, flooding from the heavy rainfall forced authorities to shut down Piraeus street: the section from Chamosternas street towards Athens was closed, as was the stretch from Petrou Ralli street towards Piraeus. The tram network was also severely affected. Tram line 7, which normally runs from Piraeus to Voula along the coastal suburbs, was suspended in the Piraeus area because the fallen scaffolding had damaged the overhead power lines. Service was truncated to operate only between Asklepieio Voulas and the SEF (Stadio Eirinis kai Filias) stop, cutting off the central Piraeus segment. Commuters were advised to seek alternative routes.

Weather impact across Attica

The storm that struck on 24 July brought intense rainfall that overwhelmed drainage systems in several parts of Attica. Water accumulated on major roads, leading to multiple traffic disruptions beyond Piraeus. The scaffolding collapse was one of the most visible consequences of the adverse weather, but the region experienced widespread travel delays and road closures. Authorities monitored the situation as the storm continued to affect the area throughout the afternoon.

Cleanup and restoration

Following the incident, crews were expected to begin work to clear the fallen scaffolding materials from the roadway and the tram tracks. Repair teams would also need to assess and fix the damaged overhead electrical network of tram line 7. No official timeline was given for the restoration of full tram service or the reopening of Grigoriou Lambraki street. The event underscored the vulnerability of urban infrastructure during extreme weather events, particularly in densely built environments like Piraeus.