Explanations for the accident at the Halkidiki amusement park – where a 19-year-old man lost his life last month – were given by the mayor of Kassandra, Anastasia Chalkia, in the context of a preliminary examination ordered by the Polygyros First Instance Prosecutor’s Office, with this offense of breach of duty being investigated.

In the written explanations she gave before the Criminal Court of Halkidiki, the mayor allegedly completely denied the specific act.

Responsibilities to the deputy mayor and the police

According to reports, he said that had delegated the responsibilities to the deputy mayor which are connected to the independent control department of common areas and shop licenses, which is charged – among other things – with the supervision of approximately 1,700 businesses that are based and develop activity within the boundaries of the municipality of Kassandra.

Further, he spoke of understaffing of the above departmentemphasizing that the municipality lacks control mechanisms and that practically the sole control body in matters concerning the operation of businesses of health interest, entertainment centers and amusement parks is the EL.AS.

With regard to the specific amusement park business, where the accident occurred, Ms. Halkia allegedly argued that she did not submit an application for an operating license, while the competent department of the municipality was informed of its operation, without prior notification, with a document sent by EL .LET. the first ten days of July through ELTA.

According to the same information, the mayor emphasized that the Police document only mentioned the finding non-disclosure of operation of the amusement park (administrative offense) without further findings or remarksmuch less whether there was a risk to public health and safety or if there was a previous technical check that allows its safe operation and use.

If the Police found a violation concerning the safety of the citizens, they would immediately notify the competent services and municipal authorities by any appropriate means and would not send a document by post, Ms. Chalkia is reported to have said.

As soon as the preliminary examination is completed, the case file will be sent for evaluation to the Polygyro First Instance Prosecutor’s Office to decide if criminal responsibilities arise against the mayor.

In the meantime, the preliminary examination investigating the criminal responsibilities of the owner of the amusement park business, the operator of the fatal game (crazy dance) and the engineer who checked it is in the final stage.