Two workers hospitalised after inhaling fumes during Badminton Theater demolition in Athens

Emergency alarm at the Goudi demolition site

Emergency authorities launched an immediate rescue operation at the former Badminton Theater in Athens during the midday hours of Thursday, 24 September 2026. The alarm was triggered after two workers engaged in structural demolition tasks inside the facility suddenly lost consciousness. The incident occurred within the grounds of Goudi Park, where specialized teams have been executing the systematic dismantling of the former sports and entertainment complex. Operational units from the Hellenic Fire Service were notified immediately and deployed multiple vehicles to reach the structure and secure the surrounding site perimeter. Firefighters entered the building under emergency protocols, successfully reaching the two incapacitated individuals and extracting them from the interior work zone to safety outside.

First aid and medical evacuation

Upon extraction from the interior of the theater, both workers received urgent medical evaluation from first response units positioned at the staging area. Emergency crews administered direct oxygen therapy and initial life support measures to counter the immediate physical effects of toxic inhalation. Greek public broadcaster ERT reported that the two individuals had experienced a temporary loss of consciousness before medical interventions stabilized their condition. Both workers regained consciousness shortly after receiving supplemental oxygen on the scene and were assessed by responders as being in good condition. Ambulances from the National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAV) subsequently took custody of both workers and initiated urgent transit to a hospital for formal toxicology checks and comprehensive monitoring.

Gas exposure and lack of active fire

Preliminary information provided by emergency services indicated that the two workers collapsed after inhaling an accumulation of smoke and airborne gases during demolition activity. Responding firefighters confirmed that no active flames or structural blaze existed within the facility, despite the sudden generation of smoke and fumes in the work zone. The specific origins and precise chemical nature of the gases that accumulated inside the theater remain unknown, and safety officials are reviewing whether mechanical tools or isolated material reactions generated the smoke. Emergency teams and site inspectors conducted initial environmental assessments around the immediate demolition zone to guarantee worker safety. The surrounding perimeter remained monitored by emergency personnel to verify that toxic smoke concentrations had fully dispersed before any personnel re-entered the structure.

Demolition timeline and legal background

The accident occurred during a broader decommissioning project that has been underway at the former Olympic venue since late August. Engineering crews officially began tearing down the Badminton building at the former Goudi Olympic Center on Thursday, 27 August 2026. The ongoing demolition enforces ruling number 1970/2012 delivered by the Plenary of the Council of State, the highest administrative court in Greece. The facility was originally constructed to host badminton events during the 2004 Olympic Games before operating for years as a commercial theater and cultural venue. Heavy machinery and demolition contractors remain deployed across the site to complete the full removal of the structure in accordance with the 2012 judicial ruling.