Authorities are seeking answers to a series of critical questions surrounding the deadly explosion in Plaka, which claimed the lives of six people.
The victims were the two elderly residents of the second-floor apartment and four people who had rented an apartment on the first floor. The latter were two couples, three of whom were of Albanian origin and held US citizenship.
Officers from the Arson Crimes Directorate are continuing their investigation, while ten experts are examining evidence that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Investigators are focusing on identifying the source of the gas believed to have caused the explosion, while the results of forensic examinations on the bodies of the six victims are also awaited.
Natural gas leak scenario
One of the main scenarios being investigated is a natural gas leak from the second-floor apartment, where the elderly couple lived. It was the only apartment in the building with an independent natural gas installation. The gas supply to the first floor had been disconnected since 2021.
Investigators have located sections of piping, while the boiler has yet to be found among the rubble.
Authorities are examining the possibility that the leak occurred during the night, allowing gas to accumulate inside the property and creating the conditions for an explosion. Under such circumstances, even a simple spark, such as one caused by turning on a light switch, could have triggered ignition.
Authorities are also examining the location where the body of the 76-year-old woman was found in the bathroom, next to the sink as well as the direction of the blast wave.
No smell of gas had been reported
According to the Fire Service, no report of a gas smell had been made prior to the explosion. Representatives of Enaon EDA were also at the scene to inspect the building’s natural gas installation.
Experts are also examining how the gas may have spread through the property. So far, no propane cylinder has been found, while there is no indication that the gas originated from another building.
Urban Planning inspections begin tomorrow
The City of Athens’ Urban Planning Department will begin a new round of inspections tomorrow to document in detail the damage caused by the powerful explosion.
An initial inspection of the area has already been carried out, and instructions have been issued to ensure that work among the rubble can continue safely.
Source: Proto Thema
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