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Family to sue after Irish teen electrocuted in Greek shower
🇮🇪 Ireland /Crime & Justice

Family to sue after Irish teen electrocuted in Greek shower

From Irish Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • An Irish teenager died from electrocution in a shower while on holiday in Greece.
  • Authorities are investigating a potential fault in the water heater and wiring of the holiday home.
  • The family plans to press charges, and the incident has raised questions about electrical safety standards in Greek tourist accommodations.

A tragic accident has claimed the life of 17-year-old Alex McKee in Greece, prompting an investigation into the electrical safety of the holiday accommodation. McKee died instantly from electrocution while using a shower in a "rudimentary outdoor" bathroom on the island of Kimolos.

We are lucky there weren’t two deaths as a result of electrocution.

— Agapitos XanthisA doctor on the island recounting the mother's experience.

His mother reportedly felt a similar electrical surge when trying to help him, narrowly avoiding a second tragedy. The incident occurred just three days into the family's visit to the island, a place with strong ties to McKee's mother. Greek police are focusing their inquiry on the building's water heater and wiring, with a possible fault in the fuse box's safety valve under scrutiny. An independent expert has been called to inspect the property.

I told her to immediately turn off the mains.

— Agapitos XanthisA doctor on the island recounting the mother's experience.

McKee was remembered in Ireland as a talented young individual, having recently been recognized for developing an innovative communication system for non-verbal autistic people. His death has cast a shadow over Greece's vital tourism sector, highlighting concerns about electrical standards in seasonal rentals. The local mayor expressed deep shock, but further investigation revealed the property's electrical installation certificate was signed off in 2024 by the current mayor, who is now facing scrutiny. The family has announced their intention to pursue legal action.

The house has been cordoned off and we have requested an independent expert to come and inspect the wiring.

— Greek police officerDescribing the ongoing investigation into the accident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Irish Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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