Widespread Gas Smell Triggers 350+ Emergency Calls in Crete

Wednesday, 20 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

On Tuesday, May 19, a strong and widespread gas smell was reported across parts of Crete, prompting more than 350 calls to the local Fire Service. Authorities responded to multiple locations as residents reported the unusual odor. The president of the Fire Service Officers' Association stated that all possible causes remain under investigation, and no definitive source has been identified. There were no reports of explosions or injuries. Emergency services carried out checks across affected areas throughout the day. If you are visiting Crete and notice an unusual gas odor, move to open air immediately, avoid using open flames or electrical switches, and call the Fire Service at 199. At the time of this article, the situation appears stable, but follow local announcements for updates on the investigation.