Belgian Doctors Save Hit-and-Run Victim in Athens

ATHENS — Three Belgian doctors on holiday in Athens rushed to the aid of a hit-and-run victim on Friday night, providing emergency first aid at the scene while the driver fled at high speed. The victim’s wife has since issued an anguished plea to the unidentified driver, asking how he could “sleep” after leaving her husband bleeding on the street.

The incident occurred shortly before 9:00 PM local time on June 12, 2026, on Pireos Street near Omonia Square in central Athens. Giorgos Angelidis, a 50-year-old man, was crossing the street when he was struck by a car. The impact threw him into the air, and the driver sped away without stopping, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.

Doctors on Holiday Become First Responders

Three Belgian doctors who were vacationing in Athens witnessed the aftermath of the collision and immediately stopped to provide emergency medical care. They remained with Angelidis, stabilizing him until the arrival of EKAB, Greece’s National Center for Emergency Care. Paramedics administered CPR at the scene before transporting the victim to the Red Cross Hospital (“Ερυθρός Σταυρός”).

The doctors’ identities have not been publicly disclosed, but their actions have been widely praised in both Greek and Belgian media as a powerful example of professional duty and civic responsibility.

Victim’s Wife Demands Answers

Angelidis’ wife, whose name has not been released, expressed deep indignation at the driver’s actions. Speaking to reporters, she said: “I was shocked when I saw my husband covered in blood. I have two questions for the driver. How could you sleep last night? And how would you react if this happened to your family?”

From his hospital bed, Angelidis himself reportedly asked: “Who gave him a license?” — a question that has resonated widely as it highlights concerns over road safety and driver accountability in the Greek capital, as reported by the Athens Times.

Conflicting Reports on Victim’s Condition

Reports on the severity of Angelidis’ injuries vary. The Greek news platform Enikos.gr, which first reported the incident, initially described “light injuries” and stated the victim was not in serious danger. However, NewsIT reported that Angelidis was in “critical condition,” while the Athens Times and HLN both described his injuries as serious. The discrepancies may reflect evolving information as medical assessments were conducted at the hospital.

Driver Remains at Large

Greek police are actively searching for the driver, who fled the scene at high speed. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released any information about potential suspects or leads.

Broader Context: A Pattern of Hit-and-Runs

The incident has reignited public debate about road safety in Athens. The Greek capital has seen several high-profile hit-and-run cases in recent months, including an April 2026 incident in which a 16-year-old girl was critically injured on Liosion Street, leading to three arrests. These recurring cases have fueled growing public concern about driver accountability and pedestrian protection.

A Tale of Two Responses

The story has struck a chord across both Greek and Belgian media for its stark contrast between heroism and apathy. While the three Belgian doctors demonstrated exemplary civic responsibility by stopping to help a stranger in need, the driver’s decision to flee — and the apparent lack of intervention by other bystanders — has drawn sharp criticism.

What’s Next

As the police investigation continues, Angelidis remains hospitalized at the Red Cross Hospital. The case has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of hit-and-run penalties and improved road safety measures in central Athens. The identity of the driver and the full circumstances surrounding the incident remain open questions that authorities are working to resolve.