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Knossos archaeological site temporarily closes due to 43°C heat after visitors faint
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Knossos archaeological site temporarily closes due to 43°C heat after visitors faint

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Two visitors fainted due to extreme heat at the Knossos archaeological site in Crete, where temperatures reached 43°C.
  • The site was temporarily closed from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. to protect visitors and staff.
  • Authorities are urging people to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours as a severe heatwave affects the region.

Knossos, a major archaeological site in Crete, experienced a shutdown Thursday morning after two visitors collapsed from heatstroke. Temperatures at the site soared to 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit).

A woman in her 50s felt unwell and lost consciousness. She received first aid at the site's medical office before being taken to a local hospital for further examination. Shortly after, an elderly man exhibited similar symptoms. Emergency services were called, and he was transported to Venizelio Hospital.

In response to the incidents and the ongoing severe heatwave, the Ministry of Culture decided to temporarily close the palace from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The decision aims to safeguard both visitors and the staff working at the ancient site.

Authorities have issued warnings, advising residents and tourists to limit outdoor activities and prolonged sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day. The extreme heat has prompted similar cautionary measures at other outdoor locations across Crete.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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